If you have a news alert set for Congo (DRC), you are likely only seeing the most distressing stories and photos – of war, of rape as a weapon of war, families fleeing their homes, and recently, a fire at an IDP camp (internally displaced persons) destroying the few items folks were able to carry when they left their homes in the midst of gunfire and bombs. These are critical stories for us to focus on in order to change them, to become aware of our connection to them, and to use our power and privilege to act and cry out for peace and justice.
Through your support of the Congo Peace School [CPS], we are grateful to add a dose of hope to your media mix, as we are able to show you what is also happening in eastern Congo – stories of lives changed, of girls and boys understanding the equality they share. Stories of revolutionary hope for a future filled with peace.
Each month, the students and staff at the Congo Peace School focus on one of the six principles of Kingian nonviolence. Last month’s principle, and the students’ understanding of it, is a critical component to how they will translate knowledge to action in the path to bring about peace.
PRINCIPLE SIX: Nonviolence Believes That the Universe Is on the Side of Justice.
The school principal and our interim director asked several of the students about their lives, and how they interpret this principle, in theory, and in practice.
Nshobole Zagabe is 19 and in her final year at the Congo Peace School. She’ll take the DRC national exam this summer to graduate with her major in Social Techniques, what we in the U.S. call social work. Nshobole shared that since she lives with her mom, dad, and cousin, most of the housework falls on her shoulders, and she doesn’t get as much time to read, study, and play basketball as she’d like to. (She’s the captain of the inaugural CPS girls’ basketball team.)
“I am always impressed by how we spend time at the Peace School, reading new books, using the computers, spending time at the school farm, the way our teachers look at us with love and respect - all these things do not exist in other schools.
“As a 6th grade secondary student (high school senior) at the Peace School, I feel very proud as I am getting ready to graduate from secondary school and embrace a new life. My dream and wish is to go to university. I would be the first girl in my family to go to university, I want to study clinical psychology or law and would like to be exposed to high quality university or college education in Canada or the U.S.
“For me and in my own words,” Nshobole said, “principle 6 means the world leans on the side of the truth, what’s correct, which means truth and peace are the pillars of justice. We can never expect to live peacefully without the practice of justice. This principle is important for me because it awakens me to understand how the practice of justice is the only way everyone can feel protected, otherwise impunity and the culture of violence will continue.
“As for me, this principle is difficult to put into practice in everyday life because even governments are failing to invest in justice. If there was justice in the world, there would be no wars here. Injustice threatens everyone’s safety, especially in Congo.
“I feel disappointed and sometimes I don’t believe in this principle, but I remember we were taught it takes time to make sustainable change happen. This gives me hope, I will work hard to teach my community about the power and importance of justice. I trust the beginning of justice will begin at the Congo Peace School by the students going out and spread the word in the community.
In the summer of 2018, we shared part of Shadrack’s story with you. He was 13 and just about to start his first year at the Congo Peace School as a 7th grader.
From 2018: To Shadrack, the word peace means stability. "Congo needs that," he told us in July, as he thought about what a school based on the principles of peace and nonviolence will mean for him, his country, and the world. Shadrack lives with his grandparents, after his father, a soldier, died when Shadrack was just six years old, and his mother recently passed away from HIV/AIDS. "I've heard the term nonviolence," he said, "but I don't really know what it means." "My only dream is to be admitted to this school," said Shadrack. "Oh!" Amani paused in translating for Shadrack. "He says, 'I want to be like Amani, to do the work you are doing, to help others.'"
In 2023 we spoke to Shadrack as he finished his junior year:
And in 2024? Shadrack is a graduating senior, and shared: “As for me, Kingian Nonviolence Principle 6 means that peace and justice are twins, they go together and should give us the necessary social stability and security in DRC, there should not be inequalities. The absence of justice in DRC is visible in wars, violence, rape being used as a weapon of war.
“This principle is important for me because if only it could be applied, I could live peacefully in justice and peace and we would live, study, and work peacefully.
“It’s difficult to put this principle into practice in our daily lives because there is no equitable distribution of the wealth the country has, other countries come to invade Congo and pillage the country, there is corruption.
“I believe in this principle and trust it deeply. Peace and justice are possible if the leaders apply the principle of equitable distribution of the wealth the country has. Unfortunately what happens is different and there is rampant selfishness. Poor people continue to suffer and suffer from war which causes death every day.
“This principle would change my personal actions and my way of living because it ends up encouraging social cohesion, fights against corruption and that’s where sustainable peace begins when individuals abide by the principle of justice.”
Nouria Abigael is 9 years old and a 4th grader at the Peace School. She lives with her parents and two younger sisters, one who is in the CPS pre-school, supported by our partner Nest Global.
Nouria said, “My understanding of Principle Six, The Universe is on the side of Justice: We are taught that justice elevates a nation, it means we need to invest in peace, in what is just for everyone, it means everywhere we go, here at school and at home we must invest and cultivate peace among us students, not provoking one another here at school, avoid violence everywhere. We must invest in peace.
“Congo has mostly been at war with neighboring countries used by bigger powers taking the wealth of Congo, justice is needed. When I look at what’s happening in our country, many other countries do not let Congo enjoy the wealth the country has, but me, Nouria Abigael, I have to be among the people who raise awareness of my fellow Congolese to cultivate peace, remember that the universe is on the side of justice because peace and justice must begin from home and at school. I believe peace and justice must begin from us younger children as we have a long time to live and impact the world.
“I strongly believe this principle would change my personal actions and my way of everyday life because wherever I would go, I would not be afraid, nobody could attack or rape me.”
Esther Kanyenyeri, 11 years old, is also in the 4th grade. She is cared for by her grandmother, who tries to provide for her, her brothers, and their cousin by selling plastic plates. Esther is grateful for how the Peace School cares for her, including the recent addition of seamstresses at the school two days a month to repair worn or torn uniforms.
She shared: “Principle 6 of nonviolence for me means justice brings peace and the lack of justice is violence. People and especially leaders must invest in justice for people to live in peace. Principle 6 is important for me because it’s all about peace and justice and it’s part of all we need.
“It’s difficult to put it into practice and it’s all about leaders, they fail to be inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.”
“Reflecting on this principle is a good way to understand the power of justice, and that is when change begins. We have to practice love, then justice and peace will prevail in the world.” - Nshobole Zagabe, Class of 2024
Thank you for your support of the Congo Peace School. Because of your partnership, the most at-risk children for being enslaved in mining work or being recruited as child soldiers are safely in school, playing games, eating nutritious meals, reading in a library of over 3000 books, practicing new computer skills and farming techniques, and learning to embrace their inherent ability to be agents of peace.