DT Global, an international development firm, opened a youth center at Abu Shouk camp in El Fasher town of Sudan's North Darfur State last Thursday.

The USAID Towards Enduring Peace in Sudan (USAID TEPS) program, implemented by DT Global, is helping community members across Darfur deal with traumatic experiences through the Trauma Awareness and Peacebuilding Project: a series of activities and small-group discussions that are engaging survivors and focusing on promoting recovery and social inclusion.

Mohamed Ismail Jido, Director of GT Global's Darfur Program, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the center was opened after its rehabilitation and construction of a hall for conferences, meetings, and training.

He said that one of the most important strategies of the program is to empower and equip civil society organizations for effective participation in peacebuilding.

Ismail revealed that 200 young men and women and community leaders were trained in social peace and sustainable peace, as well as administration, civic education, and democratic transformation.

He added, "The center's opening took place with the active participation of the regional government, which pledged its support for the center with lighting and solar power."

The program director underscored the importance of the youth center in the current period of insecurity and closure of institutions due to the conflict since last April. He pointed out that the center will be a beacon for change and transformation of society from war to peace and democratic transition.

Ismail called on all national and international organizations to focus on their tasks and work with various community institutions, such as youth centers, because they effectively create a real grass-roots peace stemming from the people's ambitions and desires.