Thursday, July 17, 2025
RIBOUND: When Music Restores Hope to Young People in Lubero Thanks to Wolfgang’s Support
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.
