“Making the community to be part of the solution and we are collaborating with them. Sometimes [we are] meeting with divided communities or ethnic groups, so hard to [be] working [in] those areas, but we are trying to do our best here although [it] is challenging.”

Bachibonge Don is a participant from the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He works in the volcano region of Nyiragongo territory, which suffers from natural disasters including volcanic eruptions, destroying homes and displacing families. His region also suffers from a lack of clean water which leads to health issues. These concerns are exacerbated by M23 rebels, an armed rebellion causing community displacement during harvest and cultivation, which creates high rates of poverty. All of these issues can lead to land conflicts within communities and between ethnic groups. 

Don was raised with five siblings in high poverty, and finished his university studies with support from others. His father had a positive impact on Don’s life because he worked hard to educate his children on how to live with others in a community. Don enjoys the work he does through his organization, the Peace and Conflict Resolution Foundation (PCR Foundation), because it is similar to the work he did in his university program. 

While at ARI, topics such as sustainable agriculture and servant leadership are most important to Don. When he returns home, he hopes to implement these skills within his community, to more effectively create a community of learning at PCR.

Sending Body:

The Peace & Conflict Resolution (PCR) Foundation is made of many different religions, denominations and tribes. They strive to empower the communities they serve in the North and South Kivu provinces of DRC. PCR Foundation aims to reduce and break the cycle of violence and poverty that continues to fuel local community conflict. This is done through a variety of means, including strong networks and partner organizations, humanitarian support, and equipping communities with leadership capacities and peace building skills to end cyclical violence. The organization also offers documentary and basic health support.