Training Teachers to Bring Peace in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo has been at the centre of one of the deadliest conflicts since the Second World War resulting in the displacement of over 2.2 million people. The dislocation of the qualified population to neighbouring countries has resulted in an extreme lack of trained teachers. The District Education Official of South Kivu has estimated that between 60-80% of teachers working in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are not qualified.

Children in Crisis is working with local organisation Eben-Ezer Ministry International to train teachers from the remote, mountainous area of South Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The programme particularly concentrates on equipping teachers with the skills and knowledge to use child-centred teaching methods which focus on the psychosocial needs of children, peace and health education. 

“The training was so good. It was well prepared and well presented. At the start of this training, we were 10% knowledgeable; we leave 80% knowledgeable. We have been filled up.”  Nagazura Natutse Domitiel, primary school teacher from E.P.Rurhambro Primary School

We spoke to the team of Teacher Trainers about their experiences and motivations to continue their work in South Kivu, where thus far 400 teachers have taken part and graduated from the training programme:

Q. Why train teachers on the High Plateau?

“I am from the High Plateau. I was born there and taught for many years at Kahololo primary school. I had to leave in 1996 because of the war. I know how important training is for teachers on the High Plateau. The teachers aren’t qualified and need help to improve. Education is at such a basic level and Teacher Training is very necessary. I am committed to improving education in this Region. Young people are the future of our country and in particular, I want to sensitize the local community about the education of girls.”  Kandoti Rugama Tite

Q. Which part of the job do you most enjoy?

 “The workshops with teachers are the part I most enjoy. When I am training teachers, I am participating in the reconstruction of our schools and of the country. There is a lot of work to do. Teachers are not getting paid properly. It saddens me to see the state of our schools – no resources or equipment. This Programme is helping to change things for the better.” Walumona M’Lenda Laurent

Q. What was most successful about the Training this year?

“It brought together different tribes. We saw Bufalero, Babembe and Banulamenge working together, cooperating. In our country, many of the problems are due to ethnic conflict, but what we did in Bibokoboko was to bring together different ethnic groups for one purpose, improving education.  I really think that the Teacher Training will contribute to peace building.”  Rusamaza Banoge Caleb

Q. What are the challenges?

“Congloese people are tired of war. Since 1996 we’ve been obliged to run from our homes and villages to Burundi. We need peace in this country. Once we have this, development and reconstruction will follow. The people of Congo are ready for peace, but there are those that are making trouble. The politicians and UN need to act.” Rubyagiza Rugabira

Children in Crisis are privileged to work with such a dedicated team of Teacher Trainers.  Based on the great success of the training programme to date, we aim to extend our teacher training to 504 teachers from 72 schools not currently reached across the Plateau to benefit up to 13,000 children every year.