March 4, 2025
Kinshasa, March 3, 2025 – A group of 250 young people from the "Ex Kuluna" program has arrived in Kinshasa from Kaniama Kasese to continue their specialized vocational training.
This initiative is part of a partnership between the National Service and a foreign company based in Kinshasa, aimed at equipping these young individuals with technical skills in fields such as tiling, refrigeration, air conditioning, and industrial electricity.
The "Ex Kuluna" program was established to rehabilitate former gang members, locally known as "Kulunas," by providing them with opportunities for social and professional reintegration. After completing their initial training in Kaniama Kasese, which focused on discipline and civic values, these young participants are now entering a specialized technical training phase in Kinshasa.
The partnership with the foreign company, whose name has not been disclosed, will allow them to acquire practical and in-demand skills for the Congolese job market. The targeted fields, including tiling, refrigeration, air conditioning, and industrial electricity, offer strong employment prospects in a developing economy.
Local authorities and program leaders hope this initiative will help reduce urban delinquency by providing viable alternatives for at-risk youth. By equipping them with professional skills, the program aims to facilitate their integration into the workforce and promote a more stable and prosperous society.
Participants have expressed gratitude for this opportunity for personal and professional transformation. One of them stated, "This training gives us a chance to rebuild our lives and contribute positively to our community."
The success of this initiative could serve as a model for other rehabilitation programs across the country, highlighting the importance of investing in human capital for national development.