The start of the school year is a crucial time for children, parents and the educational community as a whole. However, in the city of Kwamouth, this return was not as effective as expected. In fact, no child showed up at school during the first week of the school year. This situation was confirmed by local civil society which emphasizes that parents are holding their children back because of the frequent kidnappings which take place a few kilometers from the city.
Safety is the main concern for Kwamouth parents. A few weeks ago, four people were kidnapped near the city and their fate remains unknown. In addition, the Mobondo militia active in the region have also taken several people hostage in the past. Faced with this situation, parents preferred to keep their children at home as a safety measure.
However, the fragile economic situation also contributes to this absence of children from school. Kwamouth is primarily focused on agriculture, but militiamen occupy the fields and forests, preventing the population from farming. This economic crisis makes it difficult for parents to purchase school supplies and pay for their children’s education.
This situation is not unique to Kwamouth. Villages affected by insecurity and those where militiamen reside are also experiencing difficulties. No schools operate in these areas. In addition, displaced teachers living in Bandundu set conditions for returning to Kwamouth, particularly in terms of security and means of travel.
Unfortunately, this prolonged absence from school has dramatic consequences for finalist students. Many young people missed the certification exams for 2022. Some were taken care of by the neighboring provinces of Kwilu and Kwango, but not all students were so lucky.
It is therefore urgent that the authorities restore peace and security in the Kwamouth region to allow children to go to school and receive an adequate education. Measures must be taken to ensure the safety of teachers and students, as well as to economically support parents during this difficult time.
The start of the school year is an important time to secure the future of children, and it is essential to do everything possible to guarantee their access to education, even in regions affected by insecurity. The international community must also support these efforts and provide concrete assistance to improve the educational situation in Kwamouth and similar areas in the DRC.