The new academic year has begun at the Maarifa Institute in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, but teachers and families are facing difficulties related to the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
For parents, sending children back to school brings hope and provides an opportunity to prepare them for the future. One parent, Degrasius Ndezi, noted that it is rewarding to send children to school because education is key to unlocking a child's future.
Meanwhile, educators have been busy preparing lessons and adapting to the requirements of the new academic year. Teacher Emmanuel Kitaba reported that the process was challenging, requiring them to mobilize both morally and to organize the national curriculum.
However, two weeks into the semester, teachers note low student attendance. Those who do attend often face issues beyond the scope of academics, including illness, financial hardship, lack of school supplies, and difficulties with tuition payments.
Kitaba emphasized that some children experience significant stress due to sickness, crises, lack of money, shortage of school materials, or inability to pay fees. Despite these obstacles, teachers consider it their duty to create a safe and supportive environment for students. According to Kitaba, once children are in the classroom, the teacher must take on a parental role.
In the city affected by the protracted crisis, educators assert that keeping children in school remains vital for protecting their education and future.