Adapted from the article by Eleonora Tomassi, https://faces2hearts.eu/east-southern-africa/the-batwa-peoples-struggle-for-tomorrow/
I was relieved to learn of the wonderful work local NGOs,
funded heavily by the European Union (EU), are doing to help improve their
situation. RICNET, which stands for Rwenzori Information Centres Network, is
one of these organisations. They work with fringe communities to help them
overcome poverty, social exclusion and give them a voice.
RICNET is a member of the Rwenzori Consortium for Civic
Competence (RWECO) whose main aim is to empower citizens in the Rwenzori
region. The consortium was formed in 2008 as a coalition of Hivos partners in
the region, but their projects depend on generous EU support.
The Batwa people are not the only community these NGOs are
working to support. Their focus extends to women, youth, people with disability
and those living with HIV/AIDS. They are also striving to help different tribes
in the area get along, mediating past conflicts and setting the foundation for
easier cohabitation.
They have set up a clever network of so-called "foot
peace ambassadors". These community members are trained to promote
peaceful co-existence through activities like drama performances, sports matches
and cultural events.
But it was the Batwa people whose story truly tugged at my
heart strings. The fear of being ostracised is one all of us can relate to. No
human can thrive when they are made to feel unwanted at every turn, shunned by
the outside world. Perhaps this is why the difficulties these people face as
they try to integrate into the local community were so tough for me to swallow.
Theirs is an uphill struggle, every step forward met with
resistance. After thirty seven of their children finally began attending a
Catholic school in the area, they were faced with harsh bullying from their
classmates for anything from their smell to their old clothes.
Yet for the first time in many years you can see glimmers of
hope in the people's eyes. They are done allowing others' prejudice to define
them and are beginning by addressing some of the harmful stereotypes. They have
passed a bye-law that prohibits alcohol consumption during day time. They have
started producing handmade crafts to sell to visitors. They have even started a
church in hopes that it will help them back on their feet.
That's not all - ten of their youth even undertook
vocational training in hair dressing and tailoring. Their next challenge is
obtaining the hair styling tools and sewing machines necessary to open their
own businesses.
These improvements would not be possible without the help of
RWECO, RICNET and, of course, the EU. The Batwa community's gratitude was
obvious as soon as we arrived. Their King, Nzito Jofuley, even honoured us with
a ceremonial dance. As I watched the determination on his people's faces I knew
they were ready to fight for the rights they'd been denied for so long.
After much clapping and laughter, I bought two ornate bowls
from the selection they laid out in front of me shortly after my arrival.
Despite their hardships the Batwa people clearly know a thing or two about
beauty. Their ability to transform something ordinary into a thing of magic
gives me confidence that they'll be able to transform their lives as well.”
By Ellie
