### MONUSCO Mission: Beyond School Kits, a Resilience Strategy for Congolese Youth
On 18 January, MONUSCO police carried out an initiative that might seem innocuous at first glance: the distribution of school kits to students at the Andisoma school in Bunia, a city marked by decades of conflict and insecurity. This gesture, although applauded by the beneficiaries as a sign of comfort and hope, deserves a more in-depth analysis to understand its full scope and implications.
#### The importance of education in a context of crisis
In the Congolese context, where economic, social and political challenges are omnipresent, education plays a fundamental role. Access to quality education is not only a right, but also a vector for social and economic change. Studies show that each additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s future income by 10 to 15%. For a young population – nearly 60% of Congolese are under 25 – investment in education is crucial for the stability of the country.
However, in areas such as Ituri, where violence and population displacement are frequent, these children often find themselves out of school or in precarious learning situations. MONUSCO’s donations, which include school supplies, medicines and equipment for sports activities, aim not only to compensate for the lack of educational materials, but also to stimulate students’ motivation.
#### MONUSCO and the protection of civilians: a globalized strategy
The distribution of school kits is part of a broader approach, that of the protection of civilians. Indeed, MONUSCO, despite the criticism and controversies surrounding it, is committed to protecting vulnerable populations through concrete actions carried out in collaboration with local organizations. This is not only an act of humanitarian assistance, but also an awareness raising on the importance of intercultural dialogue and social cohesion.
Speeches by MONUSCO officials regularly mention the objective of promoting peace and community resilience. By supporting education, they strengthen existing social infrastructure, foster the development of local leaders and encourage young people to become agents of change. The interaction between local and international initiatives is an example of how collaboration can generate a lasting impact.
#### Self-organization of communities: a key to success
An often neglected aspect in international assistance projects is that of community self-organization. In Bunia, as in other conflict-affected cities, local associations, such as Congolese NGOs and youth groups, are already working on the ground to address schooling issues. By supporting these initiatives, MONUSCO can ensure that its support is not seen as a simple bandage on a gaping wound, but rather as part of an overall collective recovery effort.
Statistics show that a participatory approach can lead to results that are up to 50% more effective in terms of project sustainability. In addition to food and school aid, it would be relevant to include training sessions for teachers and parents, aimed at improving teaching methods and school support.
#### Conclusion: Beyond the distribution of supplies
Finally, the provision of school kits by MONUSCO, although commendable, should not obscure the need for a systemic approach to education issues in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This is a first step in a long journey to redefine the future of this nation. It is imperative to continue the dialogue between the different stakeholders – including governments, non-governmental organizations, parents and young people themselves – to build a resilient and inclusive education system.
Thus, the distribution of the kits should be only part of a global vision; one that envisions a future where every Congolese child has the opportunity not only to dream, but also to realize their aspirations in a safe and supportive environment. It is in this synergy that the hope for lasting peace and harmonious development for Ituri and for the entire Democratic Republic of Congo truly emerges.