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New livelihoods for beneficiaries of the Community Violence Reduction Programme

The Deputy Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the Central African Republic, Lizbeth Cullity, met with 80 beneficiaries of MINUSCA’s Community Violence Reduction (CVR) Programme, at two training centres – the Bon Berger School in PK5 and the Local Committee for Peace & Reconciliation in Bangui’s 3rd district – on 24 June 2021. 

She was accompanied by members of the Mission’s Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Section and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) representative.

The beneficiaries comprise former PK5 self-defense groups and other community members. 

600 beneficiaries received kits to start income-generating activities after three months of training in civics and commerce. They shared testimonies of how their lives have been transformed.                                                                                                                         

“We met with the trainees, including former leaders of self-defense groups who made a choice to denounce violence and work for peace. They explained how MINUSCA’s CVR vocational training has equipped them with skills in various trades and enabled them to rebuild their lives,” said Lizbeth Cullity. 

 

RADIO GUIRA FM · Lizbeth Cullity assure le suivi du projet CVR dans le 3eme arrondissement de Bangui

 

Another 500 beneficiaries are still undergoing training. MINUSCA’s Deputy Chief encouraged them to stay the course on the path of peace, for a better future for their families and country. 

The apprentices lauded the impact of CVR projects while urging the Mission to extend the course duration and train more people, in order to strengthen social cohesion. Several participants highlighted that widespread unemployment in their communities leads many of their peers to violence.

Mariam Mahamat thanked MINUSCA for giving her the “opportunity to become an entrepreneur”, something she hopes to excel at. 

“Instead of giving us fish, you have taught us how to fish,” echoed Corneille Theo Lenga.  

“Peace has no price. We thank MINUSCA for supporting the youth of PK5 and for coming to check on the impact of CVR training on the lives of the beneficiaries,” said Moussa Hassabarassoul, Coordinator for the PK5 Local Committee for Peace and Reconciliation.

1,100 beneficiaries (including 504 women) in Bangui’s 3rd district have benefitted from MINUSCA’s CVR projects since 2020.