In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), conflict has a profound impact on education. Schools are often targeted, destroyed, or repurposed as shelters for displaced people, disrupting the learning of thousands of children. This issue has become increasingly severe as the new school year began, with many students unable to attend classes due to the ongoing instability.
A recent report compiled by the humanitarian education coordination mechanism in the DRC highlights the extent of the problem. This initiative is led by UNICEF and the non-governmental organization Save the Children, working alongside local authorities to monitor and address the challenges faced by the education system. The report reveals that one week into the school year, 1,131 educational institutions remain closed, leaving many children without access to formal schooling.
The closure of these schools is due to a variety of factors, including attacks by armed groups, damage from violence, and the occupation of school buildings for other purposes. In some cases, schools have been converted into temporary shelters for people displaced by conflict, further limiting their availability for educational use. These disruptions not only affect the immediate learning of students but also have long-term consequences on their future opportunities.
Efforts are being made to reopen schools and provide alternative educational options for affected children. However, the ongoing conflict and lack of resources continue to pose significant challenges. The situation underscores the urgent need for increased support to ensure that children in the DRC can access a safe and stable learning environment, despite the ongoing threats posed by war.
Schools in Democratic Republic of the Congo Face Closure and Disruption Amid Ongoing Conflict
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Original sources:
- 🇫🇷RFI



