Youth Summer Camp 2026: Young people turning solidarity into action

From 13–15 August 2026, Groupe Nos Enfants (GNE) brought together around 40 young people and mentors for its annual Youth Summer Camp—an educational experience combining learning, teamwork, practical skills and community service.

This year, the camp took a meaningful step further: young people joined forces to help 10 highly vulnerable families in Mbazi Sector gain access to safer and more adequate toilets. The families, identified in collaboration with local authorities, included older people, widows and widowers, people with disabilities and extremely poor households.

Partnership in action

The initiative demonstrated the power of collective action and local solidarity.

GNE provided construction materials such as iron sheets, nails, timber and doors.
Young people contributed their time, energy and practical skills.
Families and local communities contributed labour and locally available materials, including water and mud bricks.

Together, they transformed a simple construction activity into an opportunity to restore dignity, improve hygiene and strengthen community connections.

More than a toilet: restoring dignity and hope

For Antoine, 76, a widower living alone, repairing his toilet had long been an impossible expense. Beyond the improved sanitation facility, what touched him most was the opportunity to spend time with the young people he affectionately described as his “grandsons and granddaughters.”

The encounter helped break his isolation and renewed his sense of connection and hope.

For Médiatrice, 54, a widow whose toilet had been assessed as inadequate by local authorities, the support brought both relief and dignity: “I am extremely happy. I never expected that I would find support to rehabilitate my toilet. Now I will no longer hesitate to welcome guests.” She also contributed mud bricks to the construction, demonstrating that even families facing severe hardship can contribute to solutions when given the opportunity.

Young people learning by serving

The camp was equally transformative for the young participants. For 14-year-old Bitangaza, discovering Mbazi and working alongside fellow participants was a new and memorable experience.

Sheila, a secondary school finalist, reflected on the deeper lesson: “Everyone has something to give, regardless of their level of vulnerability. Together, we can make a positive difference and reduce suffering.”

For Boas, who completed Level 3 training in building construction, the camp provided a valuable opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a real community setting: “Experience is the best way to master a profession. In practical work, you can learn a lot.”

Boas and his colleague, after completing one of the toilet

Investing in tomorrow's citizens

For GNE, the Youth Summer Camp is more than an annual event. It is an important part of preparing young people to become skilled, responsible, compassionate and active citizens.

As GNE Chairperson Dieudonne Munyankiko explains: “Preparing tomorrow's citizens requires both knowledge and human values. Nurturing solidarity, equity and empathy among young people must remain at the heart of our work.” Through initiatives like this, GNE is helping young people discover that their skills, time and energy can become powerful tools for change—while vulnerable families regain dignity and safer living conditions.

Together, we can build more than facilities

This year's camp shows what becomes possible when young people, families, communities, local authorities and organisations work together. GNE is committed to keeping this spirit of service alive—because building a better future starts with young people who care and communities that act together.

Arnaud, the best performer of the camp 2026!

……The best performer of the camp 2026!

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