In the south of the Lubero territory, in North Kivu, craftsmanship has taken a new face. It’s no longer just about working with wood, but shaping the future of the youth in the Kanyabayonga Commune. Carpentry, a humble and traditional profession, has become an instrument of emancipation and social transformation. And at the helm of this movement is a man: Mumbere Maghulu Jean-Louis.
A Deliberate Choice Towards Success
Jean-Louis did not choose carpentry by chance. After failing in his academic journey in 2010, he decided to join his father, a craftsman carpenter, to find his place in society. “I did not want to be a burden on my parents or society,” he shares. His workshop, nestled in the Kyatimba neighborhood, is now a place of learning and opportunities for many young people in the region.
Craftsmanship as a Shield Against Insecurity
The workshop is not just a place of work, it’s also a refuge. The young people trained there are safe from the armed groups that roam the region. This is what gives Jean-Louis the most satisfaction: “There is no greater success than seeing the young people we mentor working and earning their living. If these young people were not with us, they could be swept away by the armed groups.”
Success Despite Challenges
Despite many challenges, including an over-taxation by authorized services and a shortage of quality wood due to insecurity in Beni, Jean-Louis has had remarkable success. Through his work, he has been able to marry, buy a nice plot in Kanyabayonga, and acquire a generator to facilitate his work.
Jean-Louis calls on authorities to support craftsmanship and invest in electrical infrastructure. He also encourages them to reduce taxes to facilitate the work of craftsmen. Despite the obstacles, he remains optimistic and convinced that craftsmanship can contribute to the emergence of the country.
Jean-Louis’ story is a hymn to perseverance and self-determination. It reminds us that even in the most difficult circumstances, it’s possible to forge one’s own path to success. And more importantly, it shows us that craftsmanship, far from being an outdated profession, can be a real lever for social and economic transformation.
Augustin Tsongo from Lubero
