INTRODUCTION
All the activities under CDRC took place during the month though there were a lot of adjustments to be made as a result of the Budget cuts that were made which affected the number of staff under CDRC. People in the community and those being repatriated are so happy with the skills they receive from CDRC as these people realize the benefits and importance of these activities for self sustenance especially as they repatriate back Home to Congo.
NON VIOLENT COMMUNICATION
Introduction
Non Violent Communication did so well for the month of October as the program introduced some outreach activities in the sections as a way of targeting many people. The program was combined with radio sessions from Search for Common ground to give the people from sections a broader picture of peaceful living. During these sessions, people are given time to ask questions so that clarity can be given to all for a better understanding of the topics.
Statistics / Indicators
There is need to raise awareness campaigns for Non violent Communication sessions for men in the camp as they are the people who fail to communicate passionately with each other and women most of the times. The number for male students needs to increase in the coming months to the same level as that of women.
Substantial Problems / Issues
The program had no major encounters of problems during the month. The program has so much signs for potential success therefore, it should continue.
Wishes / Requests
Every thing is in place. The project has all of its necessary needs as of now.
Upcoming Activities / Events
Non Violent Communication sessions continue in the community to give all or as many people as possible its benefits on positive living and relationships building in the community.
REINTEGRATION
Introduction
At the end of October, some members of the refugee community received letters from Congo written by some returnees who recently repatriated back to Congo. These letters and notes were trying to encourage those that are still in the camp to learn reintegration skills and other workshops offered at FORGE as these returnees found the benefit of this knowledge the time that they returned back to Congo as the said that they were able to reintegrate and not wasting time on revenge.
The above statement shows that individuals now realize that it is time that all participated in the rebuilding of their nation and focusing on peaceful living. As such, this attracted a good number of participants where 45 students were awarded with certificates after their workshops.
Statistics / Indicators The students were regular for their classes. Short and intense classes were also offered to those who registered to go back to Congo. Short and intense class had 12 students in total.
Substantial Problems / Issues
It has been observed that the lessons need more time of teaching to help students understand their lessons deeper. Unfortunately, with the budget cuts, the teachers’ time was over reduced which have resulted in the teacher rushing the lessons leaving the students with a lot of questions which can also not be answered well since the teachers’ time was reduced from 25 hours to 10 hours. For the future, I (Carol) recommend that time can be increased again for certain teachers if the budget will allow giving teachers enough time of teaching.
Requests / Wishes
The project is requesting management to increase hours of all teachers a bit in future if the budget will allow so that teachers can have enough time to teach and also exhaust questions from students, so that students are not left in suspense.
SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND
Introduction
Search for Common Ground received new material from UNHCR for listening session in October. After this news was announced at the section leaders meeting, it attracted many people to participate in these sessions as many people wanted to know what was prevailing in Congo before they could make up their minds to return back home. These tapes and CDS have information of peace in them and how those that have repatriated have managed to start their life in Congo. According to hear say, people have expressed the desire to return home in larger numbers next year as these CDS and tapes gave them motivation and encouragement for returning home.
Statistics / Indicators There was a good attendance of students for SFCG sessions
Substantial problem and issue SFCG did well in November and the project was privileged to receive colleagues from SFCG Congo, the two groups combined for theatres at various places of the camp to perform on conflict resolution. This also become a golden chance for both teams to ask each other questions so as to find new ways of improving their work and certain programs better.
Wishes& request
The staff will be happy is UNHCR can give respond to all questions that arise from SFCG as participants always want clarity which is only supposed to come from UNHCR. I (carol) will remind the protection officer to respond quickly to these questions.
Upcoming activities& events
There is a plan for a performance this month with the title, “ PAMOJA TUCHEZE ” meaning ( let us dance together ) the idea behind this performance will be to show people how to meet a new community, blend and share life and other things in common, like resolving conflict together, have leadership cooperation in our society and so on.
BUSINESS AFFAIRS
Introduction
It is evident that improvement is taking place under business affairs as the students valued their lessons so much which was seen by their attendance and frequency in attendance. The rains were the only and main hinderance to attending classes that these students faced as it rained so much during the month.
Substantial Problems / Issues
The program did well. There were no major challenges encountered during the month except for the reasons already stated in the previous lines which are the rains and repatriation as the students left their lessons half way due to the repatriation process. The challenge with the rains will be resolved early March 2009.
Upcoming Activities / Events:
There is a planning to conduct a Participatory Assessment in order to see the impact the department of Business affairs makes to the Community in Kala. This will also help teachers to evaluate their work and find measures to improve for the better.
Monthly visit to the CDRC project
CDRC project received visitors from various places. Some were from Congo DR, IPS, operating in Kala Camp, the Zambian’s community and mostly from within the community in Kala Camp. Some visitors came to CDRC to get information on skills that the project offers to the community, while others like the visitors from Congo wanted to share ideas with CDRC staff on how best the two parties can collaborate and share information so as to improve work. 50 people in total visited CDRC office during the month.
