In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it’s back-to-school season. But in Goma, a city of over two million people, war is looming. Under the control of the M23 rebels, rising prices and the threat of violence is putting education out of reach for many families.

Goma

The ongoing conflict in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has severely disrupted the local economy, leaving families unable to afford basic school supplies. The presence of AFC M23 rebels has led to inflation and shortages, making essentials such as notebooks and uniforms unaffordable for many.

As a result, parents are struggling to prepare their children for the new school year, with some forced to reuse old uniforms and forego necessary materials. Despite these challenges, many children and families continue to hope for a better future, even as violence threatens to undermine educational opportunities across the region.

Looming war in Goma puts education out of reach for many families

Here in Goma's central market in eastern DRC, the atmosphere is far from festive. For months, the AFC M23 rebels have controlled the city and its surroundings, strangling the local economy. Goods pile up, but buyers are scarce. And that's affecting preparations for the new school year. Since the war began, there's no work and we can't sell. In previous years at this time, I would have sold products worth 100,000 francs, but now I've only sold 10,000 francs. We don't know if the children will study or not, since there's hardly any movement in notebook sales. The customers aren't here. It's likely children will reuse their old uniforms, but for notebooks, resources are insufficient. Parents are struggling to find essentials. Prices for school supplies have skyrocketed, a direct consequence of the conflict. Notebooks, uniforms, backpacks, everything is out of reach, victims of inflation and shortages. We're making efforts, but with the situation in the city, the war, we face difficulties paying for basic items. We keep trying, but honestly, the situation is very bad. For many families, school is a broken dream. The exorbitant costs, combined with a crippled economy, have turned education into an inaccessible commodity. I have four children, but I lack notebooks and backpacks. I spent 50 dollars, and you should see how I managed that. It's possible the children will study, but life is too hard. Violence is threatening the education of thousands of children in Goma and across eastern DRC. Yet despite the uncertainty, thousands of children continue to hope for a better future. A future that war is threatening to steal.

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