Dance of Hope in War-Torn Kivu

In the midst of war and devastation, a group of children in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s conflict-ridden region of Kivu has found a unique way to express their pain and hope – through dance. The "Invisibles Kids Academy," a dance troupe consisting of orphaned, abandoned, and street children between the ages of 6 and 18, has become a refuge for those traumatized by years of conflict.

Bush Séba, the project’s founder, explains that dance therapy is the only form of therapy they can offer the children. "When they dance, they forget their surroundings for a moment and can finally express themselves," he says. "This therapy helps them not only in their careers but in their personal lives as well."

One of the academy’s dancers, 10-year-old Innocent Nyarubare, has experienced firsthand the devastating effects of war. He lost his father during the fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels, and was forced to leave his mother to join the academy. "When my father died and my mother couldn’t provide for us, I chose to come here instead of living on the streets," he says.

The "Invisibles Kids Academy" is more than just a dance troupe – it’s a symbol of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Cultural leaders are urging the authorities to step in and provide financial support to the initiative, which they believe embodies the spirit of peace and reconciliation.

"When they dance, there’s a clear message of peace – one the government may not want to acknowledge," says cultural operator Hassan Kibabe. "It’s heartbreaking to see these children sending such a powerful message, yet receiving no response from those in power."

The academy’s dancers are not the only ones affected by the ongoing conflict. Thousands of children in North Kivu have been displaced by clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by the Rwandan military – claims that Rwanda has consistently denied.

As the conflict continues, the "Invisibles Kids Academy" remains a beacon of hope for these children, providing them with a sense of purpose and a way to express themselves in the face of trauma and adversity.