ASO participants build drums as a means to raise funds for their projects. Drums cost about 120$ each, if you would like to know more, please contact us and we will put you in touch with Juvenal.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
Bukavu Day 4 and 5
Day 4 in Bukavu proved to be one of the most rewarding days we spent in the DRC. We began the day with a meeting with MILOBS in South Kivu HQ. We were welcomed very warmly by a very diverse group of Military Observers. There are currently 85 in South Kivu and their role is so interesting as they are in the outer posts and often in places that are only reachable by helicopter. Their roles in the monitoring and reporting of peace and security issues is critical, yet not well understood by many. Some of the key challenges they face relate to the remote locations they may be in, but also language barriers and cultural differences. We met a Zambian Captain Chanda, one of only 4 female MILOBS in South Kivu. She was a remarkable young woman and understanding the challenges women face, and yet their unique contributions must be analysed further. Unbelievably when we mentioned one of our Botswana Training Course participants from Zambia, Col. Chissenga, Cpt Chanda replied that this was her boss!
We then went to Search for Common Ground's office. Search were great with assisting us with logistics and research materials for our training projects. They then took us to see ASO, a drumming, dancing and theatre group for youth that have been affected by war, many of whom are former child soldiers. We met the Director, Juvenal, in his very modest structure. Then a performance was done for us by the youth. Seeing the joy in their eyes was amazing as they performed. The therapy provided by this group was evident. Towards the end they performed a play in which they reenacted a scene with child soldiers. ASO performs locally when they have the opportunity to do so, yet they struggle to keep the programme going with very modest means.
After the performance we met with one of the founding girls. She told us how the therapy provided by the group has the ability to ensure children do not return to armed groups. Our conversation also gave merit to the fact that the girl soldier does exist in the DRC, but unfortunately they are not seen, heard or assisted very often. Dyan Mazurana's and Susan Mackay's seminal work on "Where are the Girls?" still applies.
Later that afternoon we met with UN Police. This meeting revealed the very little work that is being done to sensitize the police to the many dimensions of child soldiering and how specifically they are impacted. The overall lack of information that could be provided in this meeting was indicative. We were convinced they either found us very funny or insane at the end of the meeting.
Day 5
Today we made our way back to Goma and then to Kigali by road. Many thanks to Jean-Paul for the effective driving and negotiation skills! The flight we took this time was run by the Indian AirForce. We landed safely and made our way to our vehicle and saw Goma one last time. The drive through Rwanda was beautiful.
Today is Tanya's birthday!! Please join me in wishing her well.
As we begin to reflect on our many meetings, we feel confident that we have accomplished a great deal, made many important contacts and increased our knowledge immensely. A huge thank you to everyone that supported us and took the time to meet with us.
A bientot!
Shelly and Tanya
We then went to Search for Common Ground's office. Search were great with assisting us with logistics and research materials for our training projects. They then took us to see ASO, a drumming, dancing and theatre group for youth that have been affected by war, many of whom are former child soldiers. We met the Director, Juvenal, in his very modest structure. Then a performance was done for us by the youth. Seeing the joy in their eyes was amazing as they performed. The therapy provided by this group was evident. Towards the end they performed a play in which they reenacted a scene with child soldiers. ASO performs locally when they have the opportunity to do so, yet they struggle to keep the programme going with very modest means.
After the performance we met with one of the founding girls. She told us how the therapy provided by the group has the ability to ensure children do not return to armed groups. Our conversation also gave merit to the fact that the girl soldier does exist in the DRC, but unfortunately they are not seen, heard or assisted very often. Dyan Mazurana's and Susan Mackay's seminal work on "Where are the Girls?" still applies.
Later that afternoon we met with UN Police. This meeting revealed the very little work that is being done to sensitize the police to the many dimensions of child soldiering and how specifically they are impacted. The overall lack of information that could be provided in this meeting was indicative. We were convinced they either found us very funny or insane at the end of the meeting.
Day 5
Today we made our way back to Goma and then to Kigali by road. Many thanks to Jean-Paul for the effective driving and negotiation skills! The flight we took this time was run by the Indian AirForce. We landed safely and made our way to our vehicle and saw Goma one last time. The drive through Rwanda was beautiful.
Today is Tanya's birthday!! Please join me in wishing her well.
As we begin to reflect on our many meetings, we feel confident that we have accomplished a great deal, made many important contacts and increased our knowledge immensely. A huge thank you to everyone that supported us and took the time to meet with us.
A bientot!
Shelly and Tanya
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Bukavu Day 1 and 2
No day here goes by without some eventful moments. We woke up this morning for an early visit to the Panzi Hospital with Jocelyn. We drove up the bumpy and dusty roads through a residential district until we finally reached the hospital. On the way we saw just how close the Rwandan border is and how people can literally walk across the river. It brought home the complications of this conflict!
Panzi hospital has been made famous by the heroic Dr. Mukwege. However, the women are truly the heroic figures to consider here. The hospital is the only hosital in the region that conducts fistula operations for women who have been sexually violated. At least ten new patients are admittedly daily. We met Osa, the Communications Coordinator who gave us a tour of the hospital and explained the programmes and miracles that happen daily. The hospital also performs other services.
We walked down to the women's section where women are treated psycho-socially. They can stay for up to a month and then are moved on to transition houses before returning to their communities. Their children stay with them and they live communally. Classes on human rights and vocational training to assist with subsistence living. The dance and music therapy is incorporated into their healing and social workers use these opportunities to see which women need more attention.
The highlight of the visit was the stop at the daycare. A young American volunteer works with some Congolese women teaching the children songs, playing games, and making crafts. The smiles and songs of these children were so welcome in a place where women undergo the most horrific violations imagninable.
That afternoon we met with Search for Common Ground. Thanks to Nestor, Leon, Alfred and Thomas for arranging this meeting. Youth from Sisi Watoto, a radio programme run by youth for youth, were also at this meeting. Many of the children who run this programme have been former child soldiers, the youth we met were a mix of both. How encouraging to see such an innovative programme! These youth choose topics to report on that directly affect them such as: child labour and the mining industry, issues related to recruitment of children by armed groups, and the most controversial of all was MONUC's exploitation of children in Bukavu. This report met the highest levels of the UN and forced MONUC and the UN to have to address the problem. How terrible that this programme is now forced to be in hiatus due to a lack of funding.....why is it that the best programmes always struggle to get funding! If you are reading this and feel compelled to assist - here is an opportunity to make a real impact for very little investment. We would be pleased to assist you with contacting Search's office.
We ended our day with a few impromptu visits that have enlightened us and will contribute greatly to our work!
Day 2
Another early meeting that was incredibly informative happened this morning, however due to security reasons we wish to have this remain anonymous at this time. This meeting gave us indepth understanding of the many key issues to the conflict and in particular the children's roles.
We then met with MONUSCO Child Protection officer Lavinia. She was warm and welcoming and we appreciated her candor. Thanks Anna for your assistance. Lavinia has arranged for our discussions with Military Observers tomorrow.
In the afternoon we waited for Search's driver - Christian....hey we are grateful for the assistance! On our way to a meeting with the ICRC we tried the only two bank machines in Bukavu - what an experience! One has not worked for three days now and in large part due to a major robbery that occured a few weeks ago....how comforting! Our last meeting of the day was with the ICRC and Maxime.
Maxime was a lovely young man with a bright smile. This was a great meeting and the neutrality of ICRC is clearly key to their reach. This is the only group we met that engages with the "rebel groups". Their ability to build trust is something we need to learn more about.
At the end of these two days we are encouraged by the fact that our work is important, relevant and will be useful.
Tomorrow is a new day!!!
Shelly and Tanya
Panzi hospital has been made famous by the heroic Dr. Mukwege. However, the women are truly the heroic figures to consider here. The hospital is the only hosital in the region that conducts fistula operations for women who have been sexually violated. At least ten new patients are admittedly daily. We met Osa, the Communications Coordinator who gave us a tour of the hospital and explained the programmes and miracles that happen daily. The hospital also performs other services.
We walked down to the women's section where women are treated psycho-socially. They can stay for up to a month and then are moved on to transition houses before returning to their communities. Their children stay with them and they live communally. Classes on human rights and vocational training to assist with subsistence living. The dance and music therapy is incorporated into their healing and social workers use these opportunities to see which women need more attention.
The highlight of the visit was the stop at the daycare. A young American volunteer works with some Congolese women teaching the children songs, playing games, and making crafts. The smiles and songs of these children were so welcome in a place where women undergo the most horrific violations imagninable.
That afternoon we met with Search for Common Ground. Thanks to Nestor, Leon, Alfred and Thomas for arranging this meeting. Youth from Sisi Watoto, a radio programme run by youth for youth, were also at this meeting. Many of the children who run this programme have been former child soldiers, the youth we met were a mix of both. How encouraging to see such an innovative programme! These youth choose topics to report on that directly affect them such as: child labour and the mining industry, issues related to recruitment of children by armed groups, and the most controversial of all was MONUC's exploitation of children in Bukavu. This report met the highest levels of the UN and forced MONUC and the UN to have to address the problem. How terrible that this programme is now forced to be in hiatus due to a lack of funding.....why is it that the best programmes always struggle to get funding! If you are reading this and feel compelled to assist - here is an opportunity to make a real impact for very little investment. We would be pleased to assist you with contacting Search's office.
We ended our day with a few impromptu visits that have enlightened us and will contribute greatly to our work!
Day 2
Another early meeting that was incredibly informative happened this morning, however due to security reasons we wish to have this remain anonymous at this time. This meeting gave us indepth understanding of the many key issues to the conflict and in particular the children's roles.
We then met with MONUSCO Child Protection officer Lavinia. She was warm and welcoming and we appreciated her candor. Thanks Anna for your assistance. Lavinia has arranged for our discussions with Military Observers tomorrow.
In the afternoon we waited for Search's driver - Christian....hey we are grateful for the assistance! On our way to a meeting with the ICRC we tried the only two bank machines in Bukavu - what an experience! One has not worked for three days now and in large part due to a major robbery that occured a few weeks ago....how comforting! Our last meeting of the day was with the ICRC and Maxime.
Maxime was a lovely young man with a bright smile. This was a great meeting and the neutrality of ICRC is clearly key to their reach. This is the only group we met that engages with the "rebel groups". Their ability to build trust is something we need to learn more about.
At the end of these two days we are encouraged by the fact that our work is important, relevant and will be useful.
Tomorrow is a new day!!!
Shelly and Tanya
Monday, July 26, 2010
Arrival in Bukavu
Today we left Goma and have arrived in Bukavu. It was an adventure once again - as they say the journey is often more important than the destination. We had the privilege of getting on the MONUSCO helicopter! It was a 30 minute ride over lake Kivu and a beautiful picturesque ride. The seats were the most uncomfortable I have experienced...but hey the ride was free!
As we arrived in Bukavu we could see the landscape was very different from Goma. Vegetation, the colour of the soil and the picturesque scenery around the lake is beautiful. Our driver, Alexis, arrived right on time to collect us from the airport. He appeared in a Roots t-shirt!
So we then embarked on dirt roads and a 35km ride that took almost 1hour and 45 minutes. As we drove in this toyota corrolla, we felt many times like the bottom of the car would fall off! We passed three military checkpoints, one in which our driver was asked for cigarettes. The military presence is much more visible in Bukavu and clearly different personnel! Upon approaching one checkpoint, we found out we had a flat tire.....So, there we were in the middle of the bush by a very small village changing a tire. Needless to say we were the local attraction for the next 15 minutes.
We look forward to our meetings tomorrow - Panzi Hospital, a children's centre, and Search for Common Ground.
Shelly and Tanya
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Goma Day 4 and 5
These last two days have been very enlightening. We have met with World Vision, local DDR actors such as CAJED, CARITAS, UNICEF, UEPN-DR, ETN, and had the opportunity to meet MONUSCO Peacekeepers and to visit a Transit Centre for children that were associated with armed groups. I certainly do not want to bore any of you with candid details of all the meetings, however, it has been eye opening on many fronts. Firstly, the real lack of coordination on behalf of all the groups is so striking. So many people that are well intentioned, yet the efforts to manage results, outcomes and find gaps in programming and needs is deficient. Asking for statistics or even mere data collection is like pulling teeth. And, I get it, because just making it through the day is a task for anyone here. But we need to do more.
It was fantastic to sit down with MONUSCO officers today. Thank you to Leopold for making the connections for us and thank you to the officers for their hospitality. The soup was delicious! The insights provided by these officers was so beneficial to our work at the Child Soldiers Initiative and we are truly encouraged by the feedback received. The efforts by CIMIC are truly noteworthy and it is unfortunate that the world does not get to see such individual and collective efforts. Once again, the lack of coordination and dialogue between the NGOs and the PK troops showed how both are missing opportunities that could lead to real and sustainable solutions.
We then made our way to the CTO - a transit centre for children associated with armed groups. We had no idea what to expect as we entered the gate - were the reports and impressions given to us by others accurate? There was one security guard, unarmed and in plain clothes that allowed us in the gate with Pontien (UNICEF). As we entered the children naturally stared at us, the visitors. I made my way over to shake their hands and say hello. But both Tanya and I so desperately wanted to hug them. I fought back the tears as I thought about what these children have been through and will continue to go through for years to come. As we looked around there were children playing football, others sitting around, some washing their clothes, and others playing a game. There were approximately 60 children in the Centre and the majority looked like they were under 12. However, I know that looks can be deceiving as many are malnourished.
We had a very good discussion with Gilbert and Fidel, the Directors of the Centre. Towards the end of our discussion we asked, "What do you need most? What could Canadians send to you?". They responded that their basic needs and schooling materials are provided for by UNICEF, but that they could use sporting equipment, musical instruments, costumes for their dancing, and a television to play videos for the boys. We then toured the Centre, met more children, saw their artwork...some of which we are bringing back with us, and then saw the rabbits they keep. It was heartbreaking to see some of the children's eyes. Yet at the same time, it was so easy to see children and not soldiers. Their resiliency is amazing. The children only stay at the Centre for a maximum of 3 months and then are placed with their communities. How difficult it must be for them to know they may be going back to situations where they do not have food, clothing, or protection from being taken again by an armed group.
As I left I was reminded by the posters that hung in the MONUSCO office: "Once you start working on something, don't be afraid of failure and don't abandon it. People who work sincerely are the happiest."
A demain!
Shelly
Friday, July 23, 2010
The Research begins....
Today we began our first meetings in Goma. It was a dark rainy day and that seemed to set the mood for our day. However, meeting Jocelyn Kelly of the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative was definitely one of the most enlightening and rewarding meetings we will ever have. How wonderful to meet a researcher that is open, frank, and truly concerned about her subject matter. Jocelyn is a wealth of knowledge and it is telling that no UN officials here even bother to tap into her experience! Unlike many who work in the "field", Jocelyn is not bitter or angry, but instead hopefully and a real breath of fresh air. Feel free to do a google searh for her and see the fantastic reports she has done on SGBV.
We then ventured through Goma to UNICEF in the afternoon. We met Pontien, a lovely man who was clearly trying to juggle many tasks at once. UNICEF sent a driver, who was very angry that he had not been told that there were three of us and not just one. We realised later the reason he was angry was because the car was so low that having the extra weight made driving on the these crazy roads very difficult. As we wound through the streets of Goma, we saw the continued lack of development, devastation of the conflict on the people, and the remanants of the volcanic eruption still present. People lined the black dirt streets selling what they can and finding a means to survive day in and out.
At UNICEF we were warmly welcomed. We met with Pontien and he explained UNICEF's work with respect to children and armed conflict. While we were talking his phone rang and it was a call to tell him 3 children were being released from prison. He then had to make arrangements to collect the children. Pontien has arranged for us to meet with many of the DDR actors today in a focus group format. He has also agreed to take us to an interim care centre for demobilised children. We had a lot of fruitful discussions about training, sensitization efforts with respect to child protection and working with the community actors.
We were then late for our meeting at MONUC, but managed to get a taxi. We then met with Leopold, of Child Protection. Patrick new Leopold from past training exercises and the relationship was one that assisted our encounter. We spoke for nearly two hours and then agreed to further our discussion on Saturday. This was also a very frank discussion, one that did not bring you that "warm fuzzy feeling" but that is sobering. The main point being that often children are not on the agenda, take any opportunity no matter how short to get it on the agenda, and be prepared to deal with the reality that for many children in a country that has no institutional capacity we need to offer alternatives to joining armed groups if we are to be successful.
Our driver, Jean-Paul - thank you for your kindness!
Tomorrow is another day.
Shelly and Tanya
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Goma - the beginning,
We picked up Patrick at his hotel in the morning to make sure we would make the 1pm deadline for the UN shuttle bus form Kigali to Goma. We made it...and waited...and waited until 2:30 for an Indian peacekeeper coming back from leave who was supposed to catch the ride with us, he never made it so off we went with our driver Sami.
We were told the ride would be short, barely 3 hours to drive the 100 or so km to the DRC border. Our 3 hour tour a la Gilligan's island turned into 4 ½! It was eventful - Not only did Shelly have to sit up front to make sure our driver stayed awake, but our UN shuttle was also equipped with a speed regulator so city buses and bicycles were even passing us! Sami even stopped to chat with his brother and buy eggs along the way! No complaints for a free ride though, we’ve been very lucky with logistics so far, thanks to good friends in high places!
At the border crossing we got out of the shuttle to fill out our exit cards. We are told we have to walk across the border and that Sami will meet us on the other side. As we walk over to a dark building a Rwandan officer tells me I don't have a visa. I beg to differ and hand over my passport. Shelly and Patrick are asked to hand over their passports to a man who isn't even in uniform. They walk through without a problem, my passport however gets inspected thoroughly by the Rwandan officer, I start to wonder why someone from Rwanda cares so much about me having a visa for a DRC? Finally the man out of uniform pulls my passport out of the officer's hands and I walk through. It is dark and muddy as we walk to the DRC side we realise the power has gone off and there are no lights. We get our stamps by candle light!
We settled into hotel Ihusi, a gorgeous hotel by lake Kivu...it is dark so we can’t see much, we look forward to our meetings in the morning and seeing the lake in daylight. Goma looks promising!
Shelly, Tanya and Patrick
We were told the ride would be short, barely 3 hours to drive the 100 or so km to the DRC border. Our 3 hour tour a la Gilligan's island turned into 4 ½! It was eventful - Not only did Shelly have to sit up front to make sure our driver stayed awake, but our UN shuttle was also equipped with a speed regulator so city buses and bicycles were even passing us! Sami even stopped to chat with his brother and buy eggs along the way! No complaints for a free ride though, we’ve been very lucky with logistics so far, thanks to good friends in high places!
At the border crossing we got out of the shuttle to fill out our exit cards. We are told we have to walk across the border and that Sami will meet us on the other side. As we walk over to a dark building a Rwandan officer tells me I don't have a visa. I beg to differ and hand over my passport. Shelly and Patrick are asked to hand over their passports to a man who isn't even in uniform. They walk through without a problem, my passport however gets inspected thoroughly by the Rwandan officer, I start to wonder why someone from Rwanda cares so much about me having a visa for a DRC? Finally the man out of uniform pulls my passport out of the officer's hands and I walk through. It is dark and muddy as we walk to the DRC side we realise the power has gone off and there are no lights. We get our stamps by candle light!
We settled into hotel Ihusi, a gorgeous hotel by lake Kivu...it is dark so we can’t see much, we look forward to our meetings in the morning and seeing the lake in daylight. Goma looks promising!
Shelly, Tanya and Patrick
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Our initial travel diary
Our adventure began last week as we had our visa issues to cope with for the DRC! Many millions of thank yous to Jennifer Melton of UNICEF for assisting us with our invitation letters that we so desperately needed to get our visas to the DRC...some maple syrup is on the way. After much worry and running around by Tanya we got our visas at the eleventh hour...Friday.
On Monday we began our journey towards Kigali... I do not recommend Brussells Air. I am sure they are responsible for my first stomach bug as I arrived in Kigali! We arrived in Kigali last night. Tanya's lugggage was the last off the conveyor belt last night, just to test her nerves to the limit. A million thanks to Margalie, my beloved friend and compatriot for picking us up in her UN truck and hosting us in her beautiful home in Kigali.
Oh yes, and I should mention we arrived just as the election campaign began last night. What timing we have...
Patrick also arrived last night from Kenya. He managed to have his wallet stolen in Nairobi on his way to the airport...oh la la. Last night, after my stomach was vacated, I slept wonderfully. We woke up this morning to the beautiful mille collines of Rwanda. The smells and the sounds bring you back to the essence of life.
We are leaving for Goma today with the assistance of the MONUC shuttle. Once again Margalie...you are a saint. We look forward to our journey today and the adventures that await us in Goma.
Thanks to Dennis, Shannon, David, and the G for your support. Also a big thank you to our wonderful families for your prayers and support.
Shelly and Tanya
On Monday we began our journey towards Kigali... I do not recommend Brussells Air. I am sure they are responsible for my first stomach bug as I arrived in Kigali! We arrived in Kigali last night. Tanya's lugggage was the last off the conveyor belt last night, just to test her nerves to the limit. A million thanks to Margalie, my beloved friend and compatriot for picking us up in her UN truck and hosting us in her beautiful home in Kigali.
Oh yes, and I should mention we arrived just as the election campaign began last night. What timing we have...
Patrick also arrived last night from Kenya. He managed to have his wallet stolen in Nairobi on his way to the airport...oh la la. Last night, after my stomach was vacated, I slept wonderfully. We woke up this morning to the beautiful mille collines of Rwanda. The smells and the sounds bring you back to the essence of life.
We are leaving for Goma today with the assistance of the MONUC shuttle. Once again Margalie...you are a saint. We look forward to our journey today and the adventures that await us in Goma.
Thanks to Dennis, Shannon, David, and the G for your support. Also a big thank you to our wonderful families for your prayers and support.
Shelly and Tanya
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Child Soldiers Initiative website and Facebook links
www.childsoldiersinitiative.org
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Child-Soldiers-Initiative/70742593883?ref=search
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Child-Soldiers-Initiative/70742593883?ref=search
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