"We have to stop the war," said Dieu-Merci, 17, with a broad smile despite the seriousness of his words. Born in Bambari, the Central African Republic's second-largest city, Dieu-Merci grew up in a country engaged in a civil war that has raged since 2013. Until last year, armed groups still occupied more than two-thirds of the country.

"My father, a teacher, was killed by the rebels during the last presidential elections," recounted the teenager. This period brought the country to a new breaking point, resulting in many civilian deaths and the highest displacement since the war began. "Since then, I have been living with my uncle. I am selling phone credit to buy clothes and pay my school fees."

Since 2019, the "Youth Talk" project has given young people like Dieu-Merci a voice on issues that affect them and their fellow citizens. Trained in radio show production, Dieu-Merci addressed the country's socio-political issues head-on. "It showed me my calling!". Invested in a new mission, Dieu-Merci confided that he "wants to become a journalist to talk about peace."

Paving the way for Dieu-Merci's mission, the program brought together youth from different communities to speak with one voice. "We helped and complemented each other," he added. As the fighting was still rampant in some provinces, Dieu-Merci knew such unity was even more valuable.

As the shows went on, Dieu-Merci became more vocal. "I am more confident. I can now talk to people without fear. I realize I have the right to ask questions of authorities and adults."

Building on this momentum, consultative workshops in families allowed youth participants and adults to listen to and discuss the radio programs. As a result, Dieu-Merci felt listened to, "freer" to talk about the severe problems in his community. "They take my word for it," he said proudly. At home and in his neighborhood, people started calling him "the ambassador of peace."

Amid a country still plagued by violence, Dieu-Merci now feels more resilient. Shaping his dreams, he plans to enroll in the capital's university to study journalism. "The project has given me the courage to face anything," he explains in a cheerful voice. "As long as there is life, there is hope."