Back-to-School Season Brings Shattered Dreams for Many in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The new school year kicked off on September 2nd in the Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing with it the usual excitement and anticipation for students and parents alike. However, for those living in the eastern region, which has been plagued by armed conflict for decades, this back-to-school season offered no hope.

The resurgence of the M23 rebel group over two years ago and its expansion has led to hundreds of families fleeing their homes with no means to send their children to school. The situation is particularly disheartening for internally displaced mother Sifa, who said, "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."

In Goma, the capital of the North-Kivu province, the city’s central market is usually bustling with customers buying school supplies. However, this year, stalls are full, but customers are scarce. Vendors like Clément are struggling to make ends meet, saying, "I’d say nothing seems to be working well. Compared to last year, this back-to-school season hasn’t brought any luck."

At La Différence primary school, many pupils missed the first day of class, a result of the economic crisis and war. Teacher Deba Mubalama has seen firsthand the repercussions of the crisis and war, saying, "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."

Since 2019, primary education has been free in public schools in the DRC, but caregivers still need to buy supplies and uniforms. For many in the north-Kivu province, the back-to-school season means shattered dreams, as they struggle to provide for their children’s education in the midst of conflict and economic crisis.

Keywords: Democratic Republic of Congo, back-to-school season, M23 rebel group, armed conflict, education, economic crisis.