DRC
August 2024 -ongoing
Children’s Voice (local partner)
Why is the project needed?
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces one of the world’s largest education crises, with nearly 7 million children aged 5 to 17 out of school. The North Kivu region, in particular, has been devastated by conflict, displacing more than 5.3 million people. In this region, over 40% of children are not attending school. Without education, these children, especially girls and those with disabilities, face significant challenges, including increased vulnerability to violence and exclusion. This project directly addresses the barriers these children face in accessing education, providing not just learning opportunities but also the psychosocial support needed for healing and inclusion.
About the Project
Education – The Right for Every Child is an inclusive education project in the North Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), jointly implemented by Chance for Childhood and our local partner Children’s Voice. Launching in April 2024, this project responds to the unmet educational needs of war-affected, marginalised children, including girls and children with disabilities or special educational needs. It will provide access to education for 450 out-of-school children, along with psychosocial support and community engagement.
Goals and Objectives
Educational Access: Identify and support 450 out-of-school children (225 boys and 225 girls) aged 6 to 18 to access education, either through accelerated learning centres or mainstream schools.
Inclusive Support: Provide tailored support for 100 children with disabilities or special educational needs, including individualised help from 15 Learning Support Assistants.
Teacher Training: Deliver inclusive education training to 40 teachers, improving their capacity to support children with disabilities and special educational needs.
Community Engagement: Raise awareness and change attitudes through community dialogue, radio broadcasts, and events to foster inclusion and safeguard children’s rights.
Economic Empowerment: Provide business grants to 100 vulnerable families, enabling them to support their children’s education.
Our impact so far
450 out-of-school children will be enrolled in either mainstream schools or accelerated learning centres, giving them access to quality education.
100 children with disabilities will receive personalised support, helping them integrate into schools and fostering a culture of inclusion.
40 teachers will be trained in inclusive education techniques, creating a better learning environment for current and future students.
100 families will receive business grants and financial training, helping increase family incomes and ensuring children’s education can be prioritised.
Community Sensitisation efforts will foster long-term changes in attitudes and support for children with disabilities, helping to ensure their inclusion in education and society.
By addressing both the educational and psychosocial needs of these children, we aim to create sustainable, long-term change for marginalised children in North Kivu.