Conflict and Crisis Keep Children Out of Class in Eastern DRC’s School Year

Conflict and Crisis Keep Children Out of Class in Eastern DRC’s School Year

The new school year began on September 2nd in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing fresh starts and new curricula to many parts of the country. However, in the war-torn eastern region, this back-to-school season offers little hope for displaced families.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group over the past two years has forced hundreds of families to flee their homes, leaving them unable to afford schooling for their children. Sifa, an internally displaced mother, expressed her frustration, saying, “It is disheartening. I am sad because our children won’t go to school this year, just like last year. It hurts a lot.”

In Goma, the capital of North-Kivu province, the central market is bustling, but few customers are buying school supplies. Vendors note that the combination of ongoing conflict and a severe cost-of-living crisis has severely impacted sales. “Compared to last year, this back-to-school season hasn’t improved. We are struggling to sell anything,” said Clément, a local vendor.

At La Différence primary school, many students missed the first day of class. Teacher Deba Mubalama observed the effects of both the economic crisis and the war on education. “The war has made it difficult for many parents to find jobs, and those who used to work in conflict zones are now unemployed,” Mubalama explained.

Since 2019, primary education in public schools in the DRC has been free, but families still need to buy supplies and uniforms. For many in North-Kivu province, the start of the school year is a painful reminder of their unfulfilled dreams and ongoing struggles.

Source: Africa News