Democratic Republic of Congo

Access to Education

Recovery from the worst and bloodiest war in recorded African history will not be easy for the Democratic Republic of Congo. It will be virtually impossible if the younger generation remains uneducated. But that is exactly the struggle the Congolese people face unless their shattered education system is restored.

Education is every child’s right. It can also be a matter of life and death. The children of uneducated mothers are more likely to die in infancy than those whose mothers can read. An uneducated population is less able to participate in the democratic process and has fewer opportunities to have a say in decision making about their community’s development. Employment possibilities are dramatically reduced and a life of poverty and disease more likely.

The conflict in Congo claimed 70% of the country’s schools – looted, torn down or destroyed as the fighting spread across the country. Now, with a fragile peace in place, children are going back to school, even when ‘school’ is little more than four crumbling walls, covered by a thatch roof, with tree stumps for tables and chairs.  The desire for education among the children is palpable and inspiring. But for too many, the school experience is a battle against the odds.

War Child’s program of school rehabilitation is giving Congo’s children the opportunity of a more normal childhood. To date, War Child has rebuilt 38 schools, giving 12,400 children access to a decent education. The program goes far beyond bricks and mortar, offering a holistic approach to schooling. Many teachers were among the millions killed in the conflict. Those that survived have been out of the classroom for years. War Child has trained or re-trained 344 teachers from over 36 schools in child-centred learning. All the schools we have worked with have been re-equipped, meaning teachers and pupils no longer have to share books, pencils, chalk and other essentials.

In addition to the schools, War Child provides after-school numeracy and literacy classes to over 2,500 out of school children. We have also partnered with two local community radio stations to broadcast children’s radio shows, and to provide ongoing training for children and young people, so that they can become involved with the programming, youth journalism and community outreach, on issues such as HIV/AIDS, peace building and sexual and gender based violence.

The program has revitalised communities, and given the children a renewed sense of hope for the future. Like children across the world, Congolese children have big dreams - to become teachers, doctors or engineers and to help rebuild their country. Now that they are receiving an education, these dreams have become attainable. Some of these children will be Congo’s future leaders. After years of conflict, there is finally the prospect that Congo may be moving towards a future of peace.