Jeunes Kamenge Centre: an experience of peace

	Built in 1992 by three Saverianis priests by the will of the diocese of Bujumbura, the intent was “bringing all youth together, without any ethnic, sexual, religious, political though or social class discrimination”, and located in the very centre of northern neighbourhoods, the Jeunes Kamenge Centre has always represented a peaceful answer to the war. In the fourt months of “total war”, from January to May 1994, it became a field hospital accepting doctors from Doctors Without Borders, constantly and actively pursuing its goal, to build an active and supportive civil society.
	Opened to any country and continent interested in it, since the beginning it has mentored pedagogy of peace, offering to those aged 16 to 30 an idea of democratic self-management, with the only rules being respect and mutual exchange. It is found to be in dialogue and group activities where young people can learn to identify and appreciate their own potential. Each week they propose about forty cultural, extra-scholastic, spiritual and sport activities, relying on the support of volunteers. In the six districts of the Northern Neighbourhoods they organize activities which promote peace and reconciliation (concerts, performances, contests, tournaments, film clubs, literacy and AIDS-concern courses, support to volunteering etc.). In 2002 the Jeunes Kamenge Centre won the Alternative Nobel Prize, Stockholm, collected by the head of the centre and founder, Father Claudio Marano. Today there are 28.000 members. See the website: www.cejeka.org