A new book titled "Nos souvenirs de la vie au Kivu" (Our Memories of Life in Kivu) by Pascal Bauma chronicles the author's experiences growing up in conflict-ridden North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The book's first volume, "De l'ombre de la guerre à la lumière de la mission humanitaire" (From the Shadow of War to the Light of Humanitarian Mission), recounts Bauma's childhood and his journey to becoming a humanitarian worker. Bauma's story is one of resilience and hope in the face of war, displacement, and poverty.
Bauma's book delves into his early life in the North Kivu region, where he faced numerous challenges, including displacement and limited access to education. Despite these obstacles, Bauma pursued his education and eventually became an agronomist at the University of Goma. His experiences ultimately led him to a career in humanitarian work, where he focused on supporting vulnerable children, particularly those living on the streets of Goma.
Bauma's work is informed by his master's thesis on the operationalization of the Triple Nexus – humanitarian, development, and peace – in support of street children in Goma. His research, which involved 400 participants and used a mixed-methods approach, identified several factors contributing to the phenomenon of street children, including economic hardship, family problems, educational issues, and insecurity. The study also highlighted the need for a more integrated approach to supporting these children, one that combines immediate needs with long-term solutions.
The study revealed that 85% of the children surveyed had not received any assistance in the three months preceding the study. Furthermore, 70.9% of participants had not been offered a chance to return to school or receive vocational training, while 84.1% had not benefited from any professional training. Bauma's work argues for a more comprehensive approach to supporting street children, one that addresses their immediate needs while also promoting autonomy and resilience.
Bauma's book also explores the importance of education in his own life and in the lives of street children. He argues that education can be a powerful tool for building a better future, even in the midst of conflict and poverty. Through his story, Bauma sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of children affected by conflict and highlights the importance of community solidarity and preserving traditional values.
The book has been praised for its thoughtful exploration of the complexities of life in conflict-ridden North Kivu. Bauma's story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The book has been prefaced by Ursula Langkamp, country director of Deutsche Welthungerhilfe e.V. in the DRC.
Pascal Bauma, born in 1990, is a native of North Kivu who has dedicated his life to humanitarian work. His book, "Nos souvenirs de la vie au Kivu," is a powerful tribute to the strength and resilience of the people of Kivu and a call to action to support vulnerable children and communities.
Key points
- Bauma's book provides a unique perspective on life in conflict-ridden North Kivu and highlights the need for a more integrated approach to supporting vulnerable children.
