** Children of Oriental Kasai: the weight of precariousness on education and protection of rights **
The city of Mbujimayi, chief town of the province of Kasai Oriental in the Democratic Republic of Congo, is confronted with a difficult social reality which deserves special attention. More and more school age is involved in physically trying work, a situation that raises questions on the living conditions of local families as well as the protection of the rights of the child.
According to the Provincial Division of Social Affairs, this early commitment of children in the labor market is mainly the result of generalized economic precariousness. The inability of many households to provide for their essential needs makes it difficult to access education. François Mukendi, head of this division, underlines that for many families, the choice to make their children work is motivated by an immediate necessity of survival. “Parents don’t know how to send their children to school,” he said. This raises a worrying issue: to what extent does structural poverty influence family decisions concerning the education of children?
The implications of this situation are multiple. On the health level, there is an increased exposure of children to dangerous work environments. The risks of respiratory diseases, injuries or musculoskeletal disorders are serious consequences that affect their long-term health. In addition, the weight of these early responsibilities could compromise their psychological development, altering their ability to project themselves into an educational and professional future.
It is also relevant to look into the legal framework. Although basic education is officially free in the DRC, this reality is not always translated in the field. Many children from Kasai Oriental are brakes by the extreme poverty of their families, and access to education remains a challenge. This observation raises important questions: what concrete measures can be implemented to ensure that the right to education is respected?
Provincial authorities, while recognizing the severity of the situation, call for collective mobilization. François Mukendi insists that it is not enough to rely solely on the social affairs division: “It is a job that must be done at all levels of society.” This proposal highlights the need for a commitment to civil society, non -governmental organizations and public institutions to counter this problem.
Experts suggest that targeted economic support programs, in particular through direct social assistance to vulnerable households, could provide precious help. This raises an essential question: how to design interventions that are both respectful of human dignity and really effective to improve the living conditions of families?
In a context where the economic exploitation of children threatens not only their well-being, but also their future, votes are raising to claim collective responsibility. Actions must go beyond the declarations of intention to result in concrete and sustainable measures. What resources have the province to implement these changes? What partnerships can be established between the various actors concerned?
It is crucial to explore these questions from a constructive perspective. The protection and education of children must become a priority to reverse this worrying trend. While the observation makes audience, it is essential to ensure that each Congolese child can aspire to a better future that is not undermined by the economic vagaries of their home.
The current situation in Mbujimayi is a call for reflection and action. It remains to be determined whether the mobilization of the actors and the resources necessary to restore the school its central place in the life of the children of Kasai Oriental will be up to the issues highlighted.
*Félix Ilunga/Fatshimetrie*