Temporary learning spaces give displaced children a chance to learn – and make new friends
Returning to school helps children displaced by violence in eastern DRC feel a sense of normalcy
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As fighting intensifies in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), thousands of families continue to flee their homes in search of safety. Many settle in overcrowded locations, where children are often left to their own devices, with few opportunities for properly supervised education or recreation.
As of the start of 2024, more than 1,000 schools in eastern DRC were affected by the conflict or flooding, impacting the education of more than 900,000 pupils. Indeed, eastern DRC is facing a lost generation of children without an education. At the Lushagala site for displaced people just outside of Goma, UNICEF and partners have set up emergency temporary learning spaces to help primary children resume their education as soon as possible.
Ishara, 9, is one of the pupils enrolled in a new learning space. Fleeing fighting in Masisi, Ishara left behind his best friends - Christian and Destin – whom he hasn't seen since the day he fled. "We used to share our days and do our homework together after school before playing," says Ishara.
The first few weeks living in the displacement camp were difficult for the young boy, who was used to wide open spaces and being surrounded by his friends. "We spent a lot of time without studying, and my only friends were my brothers and sister," Ishara recalls.
"I've made a new friend, Bahati. We play ball together at school, and I've taught him how to make cars." A studious pupil, Ishara’s eagerness to learn and motivation have propelled him to the top of his class of over 75 students. "I want to become a driver mechanic and have my own vehicle," he says.
In another classroom, Nabitu is also smiling again since her return to school. Aged 12, she is enjoying her life at school again, although she hopes to leave the camp soon. "I like to play with my friends. We play rope and ball," she says.
More than 80,000 children like Ishara and Nabitu gained access to formal or non-formal education in the provinces of North-Kivu, South-Kivu and Ituri from June to December 2023. UNICEF has set up nearly 200 temporary learning spaces, distributed school and teaching kits benefitting 47,000 pupils and strengthened the capacities of hundreds of teachers.
