** Education in danger: the crisis in the east of the DRC and its tragic consequences on children **
In an already chaotic context, the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) faces an escalation of violence which led to an alarming dropout of its children. As UNICEF indicates in a recent press release, 330,000 additional children are now deprived of education, bringing the total to more than 1.6 million out -of -school students in this troubled region. More than just a statistics, this situation is a human tragedy whose implications are deeply rooted not only in the future of these children, but also in that of the whole nation.
### The educational crisis: a symbol of social disintegration
To put into perspective the importance of education in a period of crisis, it is essential to recall what it represents. The school is not only a place to acquire knowledge, but also a refuge for children. It is within its walls that self -esteem is built, social relations and the hope of a better future. In eastern DRC, where nearly 6.5 million people have been moved since the start of violence, the role of the school becomes all the more crucial. It offers a semblance of stability in the middle of ambient chaos and acts as a shield against the dangers that threaten these young people.
Thus, the closure of more than 2,500 learning schools and spaces amplifies a spiral of despair. If we compare with crises of other regions of the world, we see that the consequences of an educational crisis can be devastating in the long term. For example, in Syria, the war has led to an alarming number of non -educated children, with implications that last generations. The similarities between these contexts show that a quick and effective response is essential to prevent the DRC from following a similar path.
### The need for an educational emergency plan
Responding to this situation requires immediate actions. UNICEF calls for emergency measures to save the school year from these hundreds of thousands of children. The establishment of temporary learning spaces and the distribution of school equipment is essential, but they are not enough. A mobilization of resources, both national and international, is necessary for children to be able to go back to school safely.
Psychosocial support is also fundamental. Children who have experienced trauma need an environment that promotes their healing. While education can offer this support, the reality on the ground is that many people will not benefit from lack of conducive security conditions. An education that neglects these aspects is likely to be doomed to failure and, therefore, to reproduce cycles of violence and inequality.
### The economic impact of a lost generation
Beyond the individual consequences on children and their families, the educational crisis in eastern DRC could have lasting economic repercussions. A World Bank report underlines that each year of lost education can reduce a person’s income by almost 10 %. In a region already marked by considerable economic challenges, the fact that hundreds of thousands of children are out of school could prevent the country from building a skilled workforce and stimulating its development.
This raises a moral and economic imperative for governments and international organizations: investing in education is not only an ethical obligation, but also an economic necessity. The implementation of inclusive educational policies is vital to encourage resilience and reconstruction of a disunited society.
### What solutions?
The solutions must be as multi-faceted as the challenges faced by the DRC. Local actors, in collaboration with NGOs, must work on the rehabilitation of school infrastructure and the creation of a safe learning environment. In addition, the awareness of families has the importance of education even in difficult contexts must be a priority.
Finally, the commitment of the international community is essential. Through funding and logistical support, the world can bring a glimmer of hope in a dark reality. Without immediate and concerted action, the DRC risks seeing its youth plunge into oblivion, and with it, the hopes of a more serene future.
### Conclusion: A call for collective action
The current situation in eastern DRC is a call for solidarity and collective action. Children should not make the conflict costs that exceed them. They are entitled to education, security and a chance to grow in an environment conducive to their development. It is time that we act together to restore their right to education and offer them the opportunity to build their own future. The voice of the DRC children resonates like a cry of alarm: there is still time to choose education as the key to a better future.