Réseau des youth organizations en action pour la paix, la réconciliation et le development (REJA)

REJA (Network of Youth Organisations in Action for Peace, Reconciliation and Development) works on civic responsibility, employment and education, mainly among young people. This is a very important target group in Burundi, because half of the population is under 17. Due to the low level of education and the sky-high unemployment, these young people are very easily influenced by political parties that recruit them for their (violent) militias. Especially during elections, young people are often manipulated to fight out local conflicts or to put pressure on the population.  

That is why REJA works with them on democracy and peaceful conflict management. And in addition, REJA works with its members to offer the youth more economic security through entrepreneurship. This makes them less vulnerable to manipulation and influence.  

REJA also stands up for young people at the national level, among other things by strengthening the dialogue between young politicians and young people from civil society. It is important that policy takes the needs of young people more into account and involves them more. To achieve this, REJA strongly encourages a democratic debate culture in Burundi. Starting with the universities but expanding to the entire society.