Beni, 7 November 2013 – In Beni, North Kivu province, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) on Tuesday, 5 November 2013, gave a set of sewing machines to the Centre d’Apprentissage aux Métiers pour la Paix et le Développement (Professional Training Center for Peace and Development), a voca
The equipment was offered by MONUSCO through the Nepalese contingent the Disarmament, Demobilization, Repatriation, or Reintegration and Resettlement (DDR/RR) section. The latter two had previously equipped this training center with six computers and printers.
The center, which was set up at the initiative of MONUSCO, operates within the base of the Nepalese peacekeepers. It offers free training in English, computer skills, and sewing. The center also conducts an awareness-raising program on HIV/AIDS.
The center, which is now conducting its 38th training session has, to date, trained more than 700 people among the most deprived in the town of Beni, including former combatants from various armed groups that roam the region.
One hundred and twenty-two girls and boys are attending the current session, with 155 participating in the English and computer skills programs, and seven in the sewing.
Seven English teachers currently in Beni were trained in this center. Five widows who also received training in this center have set up their own workshops and are now working as dressmakers in Beni.
Moussa Demba Diallo/MONUSCO