Mangina Centre
The idea behind this project is to support these young people to ensure a better future by teaching a trade that will support them and afford a brighter future. The church in the Mangina context is wounded by the multifaceted conflicts in the region which have left the youth without proper attention from the equally wounded leaders. Youth are confused and abandoned to any ideology leaving them easily convinced to enrol into militia with highly animistic beliefs. This project aims to, holistically, transform these young people by providing training and skills to pursue business activities and giving them a renewed sense of self worth. Providing them also with a space to heal from the never ending war and violence that so many live through. By bringing vision, role models and positive mentoring the local youth will return to effectively serve their communities.
The centre aims to equip young people with practical skills in sewing and carpentry, enabling them to build a sustainable livelihood, offer Christian hope and stability to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those displaced by war and those whose families cannot support them financially and combat social crises in Mangina by reducing unemployment, discouraging risky behaviours, and fostering community development.
In recent years, the village of Mangina in North East DRC has become one of the areas experiencing the most disturbances related to massacres, and the population is more frequently on the move.
According to a recent report on the environment and social services in Mangina, about 60% of the population of Mangina is young. Most of these young people do not go to school; they roam the village and become alcoholics, some engaging in sexual activities and prostitution.
The village of Mangina is experiencing a serious social crisis that requires special attention.
The Mangina Vocational Training Centre represents hope and a beacon of light for the youth of Mangina. The learners are young people, with an average age ranging from 13 to 28 years old. Most of these young people come from poor families or churches and their parents are unable to support them. Other youths are war-displaced individuals from the outskirts of Mangina.
The main workshop is divided into two sections:
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Dedicated to teaching sewing and garment-making skills.
Sewing Equipment: Mechanical and electrical sewing machines, along with other materials for garment-making.
These resources enable the centre to provide hands-on, practical training, ensuring learners are well-prepared for the demands of their respective professions.
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Equipped for training in woodworking and furniture-making. This well-structured workspace ensures that learners have access to practical environments tailored to their respective trades, fostering skill development and professional readiness.
Carpentry Equipment: Mechanical and electrical tools for woodworking, including saws, drills, sanders, and other necessary machines.
The Mangina Vocational Training Centre is equipped with basic tools and equipment to ensure effective training in both trades.
Learning Structure
Theoretical: Teachers use a blackboard to convey fundamental concepts. Drawings are made there to facilitate understanding.
Practical: Learners apply theoretical concepts using the tools and equipment available at the centre.
Ratings and performance: Learners are subject to regular assessments. Performance is graded, reflecting the skills acquired.
Spiritual training: Once a week, worship is organized for the learners. A local pastor is invited to give a sermon at the centre and provides individual support to the youth, thereby reinforcing spiritual values.
This program aims to train competent professionals while instilling in them moral and spiritual values.
Impact
Since its creation in 2019, the Mangina Vocational Training Centre has contributed to reducing juvenile delinquency in the region of Mangina and integrating young people into the professional field.
