17-12-2025 | di COOPI

DRC, education as a response for children affected by the conflict in North Kivu

In the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, ongoing instability continues to weaken access to essential services, particularly for children. Forced displacement and persistent insecurity undermine the continuity of schooling.

To respond to these urgent needs, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale and Expertise Humanitaire et Sociale (EHS) have implemented the project “Emergency multisectoral assistance in Nutrition and Education for populations affected by the M23 crisis in North Kivu Province.” The intervention aims to guarantee access to education while strengthening the protection of the most vulnerable children.

Restoring stability through education

In Rutshuru, in the village of Nyamirima, *Amina, 12 years old, continues her schooling in a context marked by war. Living alone with her father after her mother’s departure, she studied for a long time in precarious conditions, facing a lack of school supplies, repeated interruptions of classes, and forced displacement.

Despite these difficulties, Amina has never given up on her dream of becoming a doctor. She received school supplies and now benefits from a more stable and secure learning environment thanks to COOPI’s project.

“I know that education is the only path to a better future,” explains Amina.

Supported by her teachers, she can now focus on her learning and continue her educational journey with greater peace of mind.

Promoting inclusive education for all children

In the town of Sake, in Masisi territory, *Shadrack, 12 years old, has been living for more than a year in a displacement site with his family. The eldest of seven children, he is living with a disability following an accident that occurred before his displacement. This additional vulnerability exposed him to exclusion, making access to education even more difficult.

The lack of appropriate school facilities in the displacement site had interrupted his schooling and jeopardized his dream of becoming a teacher. Thanks to his inclusion in COOPI’s project, Shadrack received school supplies and support aimed at promoting his inclusion in the education system.

Within a few months, the results were significant: Shadrack stood out for his academic performance.

“I don’t want my disability to prevent me from achieving my dreams,” he states with determination.

Investing in the future of children affected by the crisis

Through this intervention, COOPI and EHS contribute to guaranteeing the right to education for children affected by the conflict in North Kivu, particularly girls, displaced children, and children with disabilities. By providing access to quality education in a protective environment, the project helps children regain stability, strengthen their resilience, and look toward the future.

Present in the DRC since 1977, COOPI has implemented 370 projects benefiting more than 15 million people. In 2024, COOPI manages 19 projects in six regions of the country, reaching more than 430,000 people, in a context marked by conflict, instability, and insufficient basic services. The organization works in food security, the fight against malnutrition, and the protection of the most vulnerable, paying particular attention to women and children who are victims of violence, providing them with care, psychosocial support, and reintegration projects.

*names have been modified