Elikia Afrika

Elikia Afrika is a youth-led initiative based in Goma, North Kivu, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. We work with children and young people who grow up in a context marked by armed conflict, displacement, trauma, and misinformation. Our vision is to see a Democratic Republic of Congo transformed through ethical leadership, where young people actively contribute to inclusive and lasting peace. In Goma, where communities continue to face the consequences of prolonged conflict, we support young people to become agents of peace and positive change. Our work focuses on youth leadership development, peace education, conflict prevention, digital well-being, psychosocial awareness, and social cohesion. Through our Young Peace Ambassadors approach, we engage and train young people in Goma around peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship, conflict prevention, and the prevention of violence and recruitment into armed groups. We help them understand their role in building peace and provide them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to solutions within their communities. We create safe and supportive spaces where children and young people in Goma can express themselves, rebuild confidence, and regain hope. We organize awareness sessions on children’s rights, the importance of education, peaceful coexistence despite differences, and the role of young people in creating a more peaceful future. We also work with schools in Goma through trauma awareness and resilience-building sessions. These activities help children recognize and express their emotions, understand the impact of difficult experiences, and develop resilience skills while feeling supported in a safe environment. Because information plays a major role in shaping relationships between communities, Elikia Afrika uses community media as a tool for peace. Through radio programs and discussions, we promote social cohesion, dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and awareness against narratives that create division. We believe communication can become a bridge that reconnects people and strengthens trust. Beyond our local activities, we also create opportunities for young people to exchange experiences and reflect on peace, resilience, and the responsibility of protecting peaceful societies. These exchanges remind us that peace is something communities must continuously build and protect. Although Elikia Afrika is still a young organization with a small and committed team, we continue to grow, build partnerships, and expand our impact. Our work is guided by one conviction: peace is not only built through political agreements. It is also built every day through young people, communities, and the choices we make together.