education

RENAF helps to guarantee access to education for all children, while promoting the inclusion of girls and children with disabilities. Our goal is to reduce inequalities in access to education and preserve the future prospects of children affected by crises.

"As for the economic situation, we found that many people lost a lot of their possessions during the war and were unable to find the means to send their children to school.

But some children also stayed at home: this was the case for girls, while boys attended school more often, due to a lack of resources. In terms of security, we found that the fields are located in unsafe areas and parents are no longer able to reach them to work them, even though they are their only source of income.

We have also seen a decline in the quality of education, simply because children come to school stressed, as do the teachers, and are unable to teach. As for the dilapidated state of the schools, I think everyone understands the situation.

- Jean Paul KUSUDI (préfet d'une école à Katana)

Education in a state of emergency in South Kivu

The education sector in South Kivu is undergoing dramatic deterioration. More than 2,500 schools and learning spaces have been forced to close in North and South Kivu, depriving more than 555,000 children of a safe learning environment.

Many schools have been destroyed, attacked or occupied by armed groups, while others, although partially functional, are in a state of advanced disrepair, with no functioning latrines, drinking water or electricity.

This situation exposes children, especially girls, to increased risks of armed recruitment, exploitation, sexual violence and severe psychosocial distress. Thousands of displaced children, orphans or children born of sexual violence find themselves out of school, their futures deeply compromised.

Munanira Primary School in Kalehe (capacity: 2,400 pupils), bombed in February 2025

restore access to education

Our priority interventions aim to rehabilitate damaged school infrastructure, build latrines and drinking water points, and provide school supplies and furniture adapted to the needs of pupils. We also train teachers in teaching techniques and psychosocial support to ensure a safe and caring learning environment.

At the same time, we support families by setting up income-generating activities and mutual aid societies to ensure that children can continue their education and to strengthen social cohesion in these conflict-affected areas.

"At Renaissance Africaine, given that we live in a very traumatic area, we believe that the wars and traumas we repeatedly experience cannot be without effect. That is why it is really it is essential that pupils study in the best possible conditions, enabling them to learn effectively [...]

When I refer to traumatic events, I believe that it is impossible to learn anything when you are traumatised. Trauma affects memory. When I talk about memory, I am referring to all knowledge. It is a whole process that guides learning. When a child is traumatised, they cannot learn effectively.

This is why psychologists have an enormous task in working with teachers and parents to manage these traumas, thereby enabling pupils to learn effectively and develop intellectually."

- Arsène Kulimushi (psychologist)