In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Children in Crisis builds and rehabilitates schools which have been destroyed in conflict or damaged by extreme weather. The importance of these schools to the communities with which we work cannot be stressed enough. They provide thousands of children with dry, clean and comfortable places to learn, where they can re-gain some normality in their lives following the traumas of war.

The schools also act as hubs for their areas, places of pride, where 'war' damaged relations between villages can be healed and strong communities built.

What We Have Achieved

Working with local partners PEF-PAFIJ & Eben-Ezer Ministry International we have so far rebuilt 5 schools; one in the lowlands on the shores of Lake Kivu; four in the geographically remote plateau territories of Eastern DRC. The schools, which can be used for both primary and secondary level education, are massive improvements on any prior school structures. Bright, well designed rooms, stocked with the basics of desks and chairs and a blackboard. They are places where children with young enquiring minds want to come to learn, to read and to write.

Our Work Continues

During 2010 and early 2011, we built schools in Gitigarawa, Bijojo and Bipimo. Gitigarawa and Bijojo have opened for teaching. Bipimo will open in June 2011, providing schooling to up to 600 children each year. Boasting 6 classrooms, separate latrines, and a water tight roof, the schools are a shining example, demonstrating that when solid partnerships are formed (such as that of CIC and Eben-Ezer Ministries International) and these partners then go on to work with an engaged and committed community, the outcome is amazingly positive: schools that will provide education to hundreds of children setting them a sturdy path to a more secure future.

The communities' involvement and commitment to building these schools has been second to none. Put simply, construction would not have been possible were it not for the sheer determination of parents. 

CLICK HERE to read our colleague Esther Kwaku's account of her visit to Gitigarawa two months before it opened.