The "Je compte" campaign, initiated by the Social Commission, Solidarity, Integration, and Humanitarian Action of the Parliament of Young People, aims to promote youth engagement and empowerment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The campaign was launched in N'djili, a commune in Kinshasa, and seeks to encourage young people to participate actively in community life and development initiatives. This first activity marks the beginning of a series of awareness and mobilization meetings that will gradually extend to other communes in the capital.
Papy Mbumba Ngaliema, the mayor of N'djili, expressed his satisfaction with the choice of his commune to host this initiative, considering it a mark of trust and a responsibility to meet the expectations of young people who aspire to play a significant role in transforming society. He praised the vision of President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, highlighting efforts to improve living conditions, particularly in education, health, and youth empowerment. The mayor also mentioned infrastructure projects, such as new workspaces at the commune house and the renovation of the Sainte-Thérèse event space.
Junior Engea, president of the commission that led the initiative, emphasized the need for collaboration between youth organizations and administrative authorities. He stressed that successful community mobilization relies on shared engagement between community actors and public institutions. The Parliament of Young People aims to establish consultation mechanisms with mayors, office heads, and communal services responsible for youth affairs. Engea invited the Tshangu district authorities to support this approach, making the area a model for participatory governance and collaboration between institutions and young people.
Engea addressed the young people present, urging them to take responsibility, be disciplined, and persevere. He encouraged them not to consider socio-economic difficulties as a fatality that could compromise their ambitions. Instead, he emphasized the importance of hard work, preparation, and action, stating that the Republic needs young people who learn, think, innovate, and undertake. He also recalled the fundamental message of the "Je compte" campaign, which aims to restore confidence in young people and convince them of their capacity to contribute to social change.
The launch of the "Je compte" campaign in N'djili opens a new perspective for youth mobilization around values of responsibility, civic participation, and community engagement. Through this initiative, the Kinshasa Parliament of Young People seeks to promote a conscious and empowered youth, capable of taking initiatives and participating actively in building society. The campaign is expected to continue in other municipalities in the capital over the coming weeks.
The "Je compte" campaign is built around the idea that young people have value and can contribute to their communities. The campaign's message encourages young people to recognize their potential and take action, with slogans such as "I count because my life has value, I count because my skills can serve, I count because my community needs my participation." This approach aims to inspire young people to become active agents of change in their communities.
Ultimately, the "Je compte" campaign represents a significant step towards promoting youth empowerment and participation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By providing a platform for young people to engage with their communities and take ownership of their development, the campaign has the potential to drive positive change and promote a more inclusive and participatory society.
Key points
- The "Je compte" campaign aims to promote youth engagement and empowerment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- The campaign was launched in N'djili, Kinshasa, and seeks to encourage young people to participate actively in community life and development initiatives.
- The Parliament of Young People aims to establish consultation mechanisms with mayors, office heads, and communal services responsible for youth affairs.
