By Kassaga James Arinaitwe
“Firstly, we have no houses. Secondly, we have no water. Thirdly, we don’t go to school.”
Dogo Browny, a young rapper from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), delivers a powerful message in his lyrics shared on Instagram. He raps, “We don’t go to school. Our mothers are raped. We don’t want war. We want peace.”
These words reflect the harsh reality faced by children in conflict zones, where education is a luxury and safety is a distant dream. Despite global efforts to promote quality education for all, millions of children like Dogo Browny continue to suffer the consequences of war.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has been plagued by conflict for over three decades, particularly in North Kivu. While other international conflicts dominate headlines, the crisis in DRC often goes unnoticed. With over 20 million people in need of humanitarian aid, including 3.5 million children, the situation is dire.
As the conflict escalates, more than 500 schools in North Kivu and Goma have been forced to close, leaving 750,000 children without access to education, according to UNICEF. The fall of Goma to rebel forces has further destabilized the region, putting children at risk of recruitment and exploitation by armed groups.
A Crisis Beyond Borders
During a visit to refugee settlements in Uganda bordering the DRC, I witnessed the impact of the conflict firsthand. Many children in these settlements had fled from war-torn areas in the DRC, seeking safety and opportunities for education. The ongoing crisis has displaced millions of Congolese, with devastating consequences for children and families.
One Congolese refugee shared his story of loss and resilience, highlighting the need for urgent international action to address the crisis. The conflict in DRC has claimed millions of lives, internally displaced millions more, and created a refugee crisis across Africa.
The Transformative Power of Education
Education is a powerful tool for resistance and resilience in times of conflict. Despite the challenges faced by children in war zones, access to education can provide a sense of normalcy and hope for a better future. However, education is often a target in conflicts, with schools attacked and children denied the opportunity to learn.
Investing in education for children in conflict zones is essential for building a more peaceful and prosperous future. Governments, regional organizations, and international partners must prioritize education in their peace-building efforts and support innovative solutions for remote learning in refugee camps.
What Needs to Be Done
To address the crisis in the DRC and other conflict-affected regions, a multi-faceted approach is needed. Governments must prioritize peace-building efforts and ensure that education is at the center of conflict recovery strategies. International organizations and donors should support local initiatives that provide education and support to children in need.
Furthermore, the exploitation of the DRC’s rich mineral resources must be addressed to ensure that the country’s wealth benefits its people rather than fueling conflict. Sustainable development and ethical resource management are key to breaking the cycles of violence and poverty in the region.
As Africa’s young population continues to grow, investing in quality education for all children is crucial for the continent’s future stability and prosperity. By listening to the voices of children like Dogo Browny and taking action to support their education and well-being, we can create a more peaceful and equitable world for all.
Kassaga James Arinaitwe is a Senior Director of Emerging Leaders & Public Engagement at Teach For All. He is the co-founder and former CEO of Teach For Uganda and a Fellow with the Aspen Institute Global Innovators Group.
