The dismantling of the Kigonze site in Bunia, Ituri, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has left over 1,125 displaced children without access to education. This development has sparked concern among parents and child rights organizations. According to Constant Alimasi, provincial coordinator of the NGO Ligue de la zone Afrique pour la défense des droits des enfants et des élèves (LIZADEL), the affected children include 566 girls and 70 final-year primary students who are at risk of missing the national primary education exam.
The children have been out of school for nearly a month, and their situation is becoming increasingly precarious. The LIZADEL coordinator expressed worry that if the children do not quickly resume their studies, they will accumulate significant delays and compromise their chances of success in the national exam. The exam, known as the Examen National de Fin d’Études Primaires (ENAFEP), is a critical milestone in the primary education system.
The disruption to the children's education has also affected their parents, who are struggling with difficult living conditions. The LIZADEL organization is calling on the authorities to establish temporary school spaces to enable the children to resume their studies, particularly for those in their final year of primary education. This, the organization believes, will help mitigate the impact of the prolonged disruption to their education.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the affected children are not only deprived of education but also face an uncertain future. The authorities have not yet provided a response to the LIZADEL's appeal, despite efforts by Radio Okapi to obtain a reaction from the education authorities. The lack of a clear plan to address the situation has heightened concerns about the children's educational prospects.
According to LIZADEL, the 1,125 affected children are in urgent need of educational support to prevent them from falling behind their peers. The organization is advocating for swift action to establish temporary learning spaces that will enable the children to catch up on their studies and prepare for their exams. This, LIZADEL believes, is crucial to ensuring that the children's right to education is protected.
The incident highlights the challenges faced by displaced children in accessing education in conflict-affected areas. The situation in Ituri is a reminder of the need for authorities to prioritize the protection of children's rights, including their right to education, in the face of displacement and other humanitarian crises.
The international community and local authorities are urged to take immediate action to address the situation and ensure that the affected children have access to quality education.
Key points
- The dismantling of the Kigonze site has left 1,125 displaced children without access to education.
- 70 final-year primary students are at risk of missing the national primary education exam.
- LIZADEL is calling on the authorities to establish temporary school spaces to enable the children to resume their studies.
