Education Crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A Call to Action
Amidst the escalating violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), over one and a half million children in the eastern region are currently out of school. The situation has been described as “desperate” by UNICEF, the UN children’s agency.
By Christopher Wells
The surge in violence and subsequent displacement of millions of people has led UNICEF to call for emergency measures to salvage the school year for hundreds of thousands of children in the DRC. Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF’s acting Representative in the country, emphasized the importance of education as a means for children to retain a sense of normalcy and rebuild after the conflict.
According to UNICEF, more than 6.5 million people are displaced in the eastern part of the DRC, including 2.6 million children. The influx of displaced persons has put immense strain on the education system, resulting in the closure of over 2500 schools and learning spaces in North and South Kivu provinces.
Currently, close to 800,000 children in these provinces are deprived of education, a significant increase from just a few months ago. Including neighboring Ituri Province, the total number of out-of-school children has now reached over 1.6 million.
Rebels continue to advance
The fighting in eastern DRC has intensified, with the rebel M23 movement capturing significant territory, including the North Kivu capital of Goma earlier this year. Despite schools reopening in Goma on February 9, student attendance remains low.
UNICEF’s efforts to establish learning structures at displacement sites around Goma have been hampered by the empty classrooms, raising concerns that displaced children may never return to school.
Recognizing the crucial role of educational centers in maintaining stability during crises, UNICEF is advocating for support for Congolese schools as a means to protect children from sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups.
Responding to “urgent” needs
To address the urgent educational needs of nearly half a million children, UNICEF is seeking USD 52 million to establish temporary learning spaces, distribute educational materials, and provide hygiene and sanitation kits. The organization is also exploring remote education options through radio broadcasts and accelerated learning programs for marginalized children.
Additionally, UNICEF is focusing on mine risk education to mitigate the dangers posed by landmines and unexploded ordinance in conflict zones. The agency is calling on all parties involved in the conflict to respect education facilities and cease the military use of any educational institution.
As the crisis in the DRC intensifies, it is imperative that urgent action is taken to ensure that the children of the region have access to education and the opportunity to build a better future.
