"When the rebels entered our town last year, I was terrified. My family and I locked ourselves in the house. It had become impossible to go out," says Hilary, 16. The fighting continues in Bambari, in the northeastern part of the Central African Republic. In a country plagued by civil war since 2013, this fear, present since Hilary's early childhood, still hasn't left her.

With soaring violence comes other difficulties. "I've experienced hunger," adds Hilary. To this day, the situation remains critical regarding life expectancy, malnutrition, and lack of access to health care.

Despite this, Hilary is a teenager like any other. She is full of joy, enjoys singing, and watching Guinean television shows, and, most importantly, has many hopes and dreams for the future.

"We have to make peace," says Hilary, convinced that "young people can do it." Aware that they still have a lot of work to do. "I sometimes feel discouraged when I see where we are today. My country has not yet developed, and many things are not working," she admits.

Since 2019, the Youth Talk project has placed young people like Hilary at the center of their country's socio-political issues. With training in radio production, Hilary now addresses these challenges on-air. Freedom of expression for positive change is now at the heart of her new battle. "I want to be a journalist to convey ideas and deep life experiences that people can relate to to bring peace. If we can't get our messages out freely, the country will remain at war," she says.

Hilary also feels the change deep inside. "Before, I didn't know how to speak in public," she says, adding, "I believe in myself now, and I feel stronger to talk about difficult topics."

"This project gives me a chance to be a journalist. I'm in ninth grade and want to study hard to get what I want despite my environment." With newfound determination, the teen's hopes and dreams for the future seem more real every day. "When I close my eyes, I now think about the person I want to be: someone who makes a difference."