The new school year began on September 2nd in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing with it a mix of familiar faces and new curricula in many parts of the country. However, in the eastern region, which has been ravaged by decades of armed conflict, the return to school offers little optimism.
In this troubled area, the resurgence of the M23 rebel group over the past two years has driven hundreds of families from their homes, leaving them unable to afford to send their children back to school. For families already suffering from displacement, the prospects of education remain grim.
Sifa, an internally displaced mother, voiced her despair: “This situation is so disheartening. I am sad because our children won’t go to this school this year, and it was already the same last year. It hurts a lot.” Her words resonate with many in similar situations, struggling to find a path forward amid the conflict.
In Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, the economic impact of the ongoing conflict is evident. At the city’s central market, stalls are filled with school supplies, but the number of customers remains scarce. Even when the violence does not prevent children from attending school, the escalating cost of living poses another significant barrier.
“Nothing seems to be working well,” says Clément, a vendor at the market. “Compared to last year, this back-to-school season hasn’t brought any luck. Vendors almost sell nothing, so much so that we even wondered if kids would go back to school as announced.” His frustrations underscore the broader challenges faced by local communities.
At La Différence primary school in Goma, many pupils missed the first day of class. Teacher Deba Mubalama has witnessed the combined effects of war and economic crisis on education. “In addition to war, other factors come into play as to why kids don’t go to school. For example, the fact that some parents are unemployed. All those who worked in the localities that have become war zones cannot work for now,” she explained.
While the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has made primary education free in public schools since 2019, families are still responsible for purchasing school supplies and uniforms. For many in North Kivu province, this expense proves too much to bear, especially in a region already grappling with conflict and economic hardship.
As the new school year unfolds, it is clear that for many in eastern Congo, the back-to-school season is a painful reminder of shattered dreams. The hope that education could provide a brighter future remains elusive for those caught in the crossfire of conflict and crisis.
While some children in the country experience the joy of reuniting with friends and beginning new lessons, countless others face uncertainty and fear. For families like Sifa’s, the focus is not on learning but rather on survival. Until peace is restored, the simple act of attending school remains an unattainable goal for many in the conflict-affected regions of the DRC.
The situation in North Kivu serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenges faced by the people in this region. The combination of armed conflict, economic hardship, and lack of resources continues to prevent children from accessing their fundamental right to education. It also underscores the need for a more comprehensive approach to support displaced families, ensuring that their children are not left behind.
Despite these daunting challenges, there is still a glimmer of hope that, through collective efforts from both local communities and international organizations, a path to peace and prosperity can be forged. For now, however, the new school year begins with more questions than answers, as families and educators grapple with the harsh realities of life in eastern Congo.
