**Fatshimetrie: Back-to-school challenges persist in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo**
Back-to-school is an emotional time for many students around the world. However, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, it is a time of major challenges for many families, due to the ongoing armed conflict in the region.
While September 2 marked the start of the new school year in many parts of the country, residents of eastern DRC have been faced with a very different reality. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group more than two years ago has displaced hundreds of families, leaving them without the means to send their children to school.
The city of Goma, capital of North Kivu province, is a testament to these challenges. Despite the opening of classes, the city’s central market is struggling to attract customers looking for school supplies. The stalls are full of supplies, but the exorbitant cost of living and economic instability are dampening parents’ enthusiasm.
At La Différence, a primary school in the region, many students were conspicuous by their absence on the first day of class. Teacher Deba Mubalama deplores the consequences of the economic crisis and armed conflict that are hitting the educational community hard.
Despite free primary education in public schools since 2019 in the DRC, many parents still find themselves facing financial difficulties in purchasing the necessary supplies and uniforms. The impact of these obstacles on the future dreams of children in the North Kivu province is devastating.
Unemployment, a direct consequence of the armed conflict, is also one of the factors pushing children to stay at home instead of going to school. Parents who worked in combat zones find themselves without jobs, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty and vulnerability.
The start of the school year in eastern DRC therefore offers a poignant glimpse into the challenges faced by many families. Despite efforts to ensure access to education, persistent obstacles related to armed conflict and economic crisis pose insurmountable barriers for many children. It is essential to raise awareness and mobilize the necessary resources to support these communities and provide a better future for future generations in the region.