[Pauline, from Global Nomads Group (GNG), is our Students Rebuild representative on the ground in Africa. First she reported from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and this past week, from Somalia. Due to a recent spike in violence in the DRC, Pauline had to evacuate Goma. She has left Africa for the time being and reflects on her recent experiences.]

“It is this time of year again. I got home; it is cold and I think about what I have done during this year. And well there is a lot!

With Students Rebuild, I moved back to the DRC in September to work with the young leaders of Congo and learn as much as I can. I watched the students working every day trying to make it in the context where everything seems to work against you.

Believe it or not, they are graduating from ETN vocational school this week, only a week late despite the invasion of Goma by the M23 rebel group. Although I had to leave, I am confident the students will continue being change makers in their communities during this time – sadly they have seen worse. Next year I will continue update you as I hear from them.

Having to leave Goma behind was not easy but I was excited to bring Students Rebuild to Somalia with my colleagues from GNG – Chris and Robbie – and learn about CARE’s work there!

And we learned a lot. I especially enjoyed meeting the inspiring Somali people who work for their country, bringing up its youth and supporting Somalia’s move forward.

My main lesson from this year is simple as is my theme for next – perseverance and dedication will take you places! Somali and DRC youth, CARE staff and you make a difference, so let’s continue together in 2013!”

[Take the Students Rebuild One Million Bones challenge today and help us cover the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in June, 2013 with one million handmade bones as a symbol of solidarity with victims and survivors of ongoing conflict in places like the DRC and Somalia. Every handmade bone generates $1 from the Bezos Family Foundation for CARE's work in these regions, up to $500,000!]