The Gorilla Highlands region — one of stunning beauty and abundance — remains in a shaky security and economic situation due to the paradox of personal poverty amidst richness of natural resources, persistent militarisation, mistrust and endemic corruption. Young people of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo lack business opportunities and models for effective activism to advance their communities. The right mix of entrepreneurship, conservation, creative activities, sports, practical support, peacebuilding, and movement mobilisation will forge relationships, nourish grassroots solidarity and enhance problem solving.
The future of this region will remain questionable unless people become more confident leaders and advocates in and for their communities. Person-to-person exchange and organising done at scale can make a significant contribution to regional peacebuilding and civic engagement. Given the young average age, we see a chance to envision and co-create home-grown solutions to the various challenges facing the region.
Illumineers Mission Statement
We connect the youth of Rwanda, Uganda and DR Congo and give them practical skills that lead to personal development, civic engagement and regional peacebuilding.
Theory of Change
If we make a conducive and stimulating environment for young people, they will feel more empowered and confident to lead positive changes in their communities. This, coupled with transboundary networking and economic development, will boost peace and security in the region.
Progress So Far
In 2023-2024 we enrolled two “Youth Spaces” cohorts in Rwanda’s Musanze district, offering young people (15-30 years of age) connections, support, solutions to their problems and active exposure to societal issues. The program attracted the youth by having an emphasis on entrepreneurship skills and international connections but included much more:
- partnerships with enterprises, organisations and individuals ready to share their space and skills at weekend business accelerator workshops
- international friendship camps
- seed funding capital (available to members for conservation/environmental businesses)
- sports and personal growth sharing gatherings
- leadership and digital literacy training sessions
- social responsibility program focused on Historically Marginalised People
Plans for 2025
Building on the experience obtained in Rwanda, we plan to expand the concept into southwestern Uganda in 2025. We also envisage an online course and community to cater for ongoing learning.
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