A note from our community...

A Note from Liisa…

After [sharing on Sunday August 31st], I told Simeon, my friend from the Quaker Complex in Kigali, that I had shared his story and had mentioned his dream to empower young people to be peaceful agents of positive change.  He was so happy to hear that people wanted to hear his story.  He was especially happy to be able to report some new developments on the second matter.  I am including what he wrote to me here. 

Sincerely,
Liisa

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Empowering Youth for Climate Justice and Peace in Bugesera

Youth Impacts Development and Environmental Change (YIDEC) was founded in 2022 to empower young people through climate justice, peace, and development.

In Bugesera, Eastern Province, youth face harsh realities drought, deforestation, and food insecurity. Many have left school simply to survive. Yet these same young people carry dreams, hope, and a fierce desire to create change.

Through our climate change workshops, two youth group savings initiatives, and the planting of 2,000 trees, we’ve helped over 250 young people take their first steps toward building resilient communities. Some thought education was out of reach after leaving school, but through scholarships and short professional courses, they’ve discovered they can rise, learn, and succeed.

Now, we are launching Climate-Smart Agriculture and Peace a hands-on program where youth learn sustainable farming, adapt to climate challenges, and see how peace and care for the land are connected. Their group savings allow them to invest in small agricultural projects, turning knowledge into tangible change.

The $500 we’ve raised so far is just the beginning. We still need support, but we are not discouraged every seed planted, every youth empowered, is a step toward hope. This September, we will host a Peace through Climate Action workshop in Kigali, connecting young hearts and minds across the region.

Because sometimes, peace begins in the quietest place when you forgive. To free those who have harmed you in your heart is to make room for peace inside yourself. And that, too, is the real work of life.