Bambari – Grace* is one of 22 young women who are learning to sew at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Bambari training centre, where needlework, literacy, soap making, and other income-generating activities are offered along with regular psychosocial support. The programme began in 2016, with the main objective of empowering young people, especially vulnerable girls, to become independent and integrated in their communities. The activities also help heal the wounds they have suffered from conflict.

In armed groups, some girls are subjected to sexual violence or domestic work like cooking, cleaning, or caring for the wounded. Grace, however, was used as a fighting soldier. When asked why she was there, she said, “I was doing the same thing to people as they did to my parents.” After leaving the armed group, Grace joined the JRS sewing programme. She is currently finishing her training and will be graduating soon. She will be able to sew clothes and sell them at the market, generating income that will allow her to live.

“When I arrived in Bambari with my armed group, I heard of a JRS programme for former child soldiers, and I was curious and went to see it. There they offered us a new life. It made me think and my anger decreased a little. I decided to make the right decision. If I stayed in the armed group I would not have survived, and I would not have learned a trade. Now I know I’m on the right track.”

This programme works to restore basic social services, education, and protection for children affected by violence and conflict in the Central African Republic. JRS, in partnership with Entreculturas, is changing the lives of hundreds of children like Grace.

*All names were changed for the privacy and safety of those involved.