"In the conflict-hit Democratic Republic of Congo, youth activists and student volunteers in Beni organised a New Year’s Day initiative on Wednesday to provide a festive meal for more than 100 displaced children, aiming to restore a sense of normality after years of violence. Footage shows children enjoying a variety of dishes prepared by volunteers at the Alpha Institute, near the Tamende displacement site. To keep the children engaged while the food was being cooked, organisers arranged games, music and dancing. Event organiser Nicole Lufungi said the initiative was designed to show solidarity with families uprooted by war. “Some of our compatriots are living in difficult conditions because of the war; they are forced to leave their homes and come to live in camps in unfavourable situations. That's why we chose to spend this day together with them for this family meal,” she said. Organisers said the gathering was also intended to help ease the psychological toll of conflict on children. “Our message is that while things aren't working out today, it won't last forever. One day, everything will be alright, and they must keep hope. That is the reason for this event and this family meal that we are going to share with them,” said volunteer Shabani Loswire. Locals welcomed the initiative, praising the volunteers’ efforts and their importance to children living through hardship. “From the bottom of my heart, I am overjoyed to see this act you have just performed for our children,” said Musubao Saulo. “Our children were not considered by other children; we thought they were neglected.” The initiative is part of the 'Youth Peacebuilders' movement supporting conflict-affected young people in North Kivu, where years of fighting between government forces and the M23 movement have displaced millions. The conflict escalated in the eastern DRC this year, with M23 seizing the main cities of Goma and Bukavu. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the group - allegations Rwanda firmly denies."