INTRODUCTION
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is located literally and figuratively in the heart of Africa. It is central to the future of the African continent. It has a population of 65 million people, of which a majority is under the age of 18. The future of the Congo lies in the development, nurturing, and support of its youth.
 
Keenly aware of the underlying dynamics of the Congo, Friends of the Congo has partnered with several youth groups to advance the cause of social justice in the Congo through creative and innovative means using art, music, and technology to promote social justice. One such innovative effort is the establishment of Social Justice Networking Cells (SJNC) to serve primarily the youth but also other sectors of the Congolese society. The SJNC is a product of Congo Week and the efforts made by Congolese youth each October to highlight the challenges of the Congo and mobilize youth throughout the country to explore Congo’s challenges and produce prescriptions for moving the country forward.

PURPOSE
Friends of the Congo in partnership with several youth groups aims to establish Social Justice Networking Cells throughout Congo, starting in Kinshasa, Congo’s capital. The Networking Cells will serve as spaces for exchange of ideas, learning, training, activism, communication and the promotion of progressive ideas.  No such centers or units exist currently in the Congo. The central overriding purpose of the cells is to serve as a social space for reflection on the challenges of the Congo, for the exchange of ideas, civic education, and training.