Empowering Young People to Prevent Child Marriage in Nyiragongo

On 3 January 2026, as part of the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage, AGAPAO-VISION DRC organised a community awareness workshop in Ngangi 3, Nyiragongo Territory, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The workshop brought together children and young people to build understanding around the harmful impacts of early marriage and to strengthen community commitment to protecting children’s rights.

The session focused on helping participants understand how child marriage affects children’s health, education, and future opportunities. Through guided discussions, the workshop also emphasised the shared responsibility of communities to safeguard children and to prevent practices that undermine their rights and wellbeing.

The workshop was led by the Coordinator of AGAPAO-VISION DRC, with active participation from Don-Prémices Mufungizi, Founding President of the organisation. Participants were encouraged to reflect on how community-led action can contribute to lasting change.

An open and interactive discussion created space for participants to ask questions, share perspectives, and identify practical steps communities can take to prevent and report cases of child marriage. This exchange helped deepen understanding and reinforced the importance of collective vigilance and action.

The workshop engaged 20 participants, including 15 girls and 5 boys. By the end of the session, participants demonstrated increased awareness of the risks and long-term consequences of child marriage, along with a strong commitment to sharing prevention messages with peers, families, and community members. The engagement also contributed to broader community mobilisation in support of children’s rights and protection.

Reflecting on the importance of sustained effort, Don-Prémices Mufungizi shared:

“The battle for a world free from child marriage is long and demanding. The actions to be taken are immense, and the obstacles are many, sometimes discouraging. But our determination is stronger than anything. For the well-being and the future of the children of Nyiragongo, in North Kivu, we move forward with the firm conviction that, together, we will succeed.”

This workshop marked another step in strengthening local leadership and youth engagement, reinforcing the role of communities in building a future where every child can grow, learn, and live free from early and forced marriage.