The Banyamulenge are a minority ethnic group in South Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They are mostly seen as affiliated to the Tutsi of the African Great Lakes region, and they speak a language close to Kirundi (Burundi) and Kinyarwanda (Rwanda). The Banyamulenge settled in South Kivu between the 16th and 18th centuries, having come from what are today Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. They are largely cattle keepers. 

Like other migrants in German the Banyamulenge community have initiated the Gakondo e.V Association with aim to address issues related their hard backgrounds full of wounds caused by long-lasting discrimination and hardship as well as comprehensive integration process to host culture (German).  Operationally this will aim at bringing them together for Social Impact, Advocacy and Awareness of their background, Community Building for a rapid integration in the host culture, Capacity Building to ensure a well skilled community.

• Promote Physical and Mental Well-being: Encourage physical activity and provide a platform for discussions about mental health.
• Foster Integration and personal development: Strengthen relationships among youth and encourage integration into German society through networking and mentors’ guidance.

The event will include:

• Football Tournament: A competition involving eight country teams from the Banyamulenge community living in Europe, including Germany, the Nederland, Norway, Sweden, France, Belgium, and Denmark, with Poland as one team, where it is difficult to reconnect with each other.