This article highlights the RIBOUND project, a World Vision initiative supported by German musician Wolfgang Niedecken, which is transforming the lives of vulnerable youth in Lubero, North Kivu (DRC). Through an integrated approach combining vocational training, psychosocial support, and economic reintegration, RIBOUND restores hope, dignity, and prospects to adolescents affected by war, poverty, or loss. The story captures the project's impact through powerful testimonies, such as those of Alice, a trained seamstress, and Fabien, now a carpenter, as well as the essential yet discreet work of staff members like Jeanine, who care for the children of young mothers. To date, 173 young people have been supported in their reintegration journey. These personal stories underscore the need for sustained support for such initiatives to prevent marginalisation and armed group recruitment. RIBOUND emerges as a model of hope, resilience, and rebuilding, one that deserves to be strengthened and replicated in other crisis-affected regions.

Bombi’s early years were defined by scarcity and silence. His family, struggling with unemployment and poverty, survived by growing vegetables around their home—barely enough to feed themselves. School seemed a distant luxury, and Bombi was a shy, quiet child who rarely spoke or engaged with others. "Physically and mentally, I experienced many ups and downs," he recalls.

In 2022, while in grade 5, Malita (not a real name) was envious of her friends who could afford various snacks like biscuits, which she could not. In many rural areas, young girls like Malita face significant challenges such as poverty, limited access to education, lack of proper health services, and exposure to risky social environments. An older boy in her community offered her biscuits, but at a cost. Malita involved herself in unsafe sexual activities with him, the provider of the biscuits, which resulted in her becoming pregnant.

Orphaned young, Bright turned hardship into hope—growing a garden into a business, supporting his family, and building a brighter future through resilience.

In a small village in Southern Zambia called Keemba, a young boy named Kampamba Bwembya once dreamed of using his voice to make a difference. Growing up amidst humble surroundings, he never imagined that his words could reach beyond his community or that he would one day stand before the nation as a lawyer fighting for children’s rights.

The Walen association in partnership with the JOFA – ACTE Project offered the opportunity to 20 young girls to strengthen their digital skills and access new professional and entrepreneurial perspectives in order to fight against child labour, especially in its worst forms.

Abducted at 14, Amsalech defied stigma and reclaimed her future. With support, she found justice, healing, and hope through education and sponsorship.

Ahmed from Saudi Arabia and Abdi from Somalia arrived in Georgia several years ago, each bringing with them unique stories and experiences that led them to seek a new life in a different country.

Read the inspiring journey of Rose Agili, a young woman in South Sudan who transforms her tailoring business through the Greater Resilience Enhanced Through Market-Based Agriculture, WASH (GREAW) project. This is how resilience-building projects empower women and girls to overcome challenges, improve livelihoods, and inspire hope in times of hardship.

Growing up in a family burdened by poverty and hardship, Kru Base’s early years were marked by uncertainty. Like many children in his community, he faced the grim possibility of dropping out of school.