In June 2022, a surge of violent conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) displaced roughly 100,000 people.  An estimated 1,000 families relocated to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Kihisi, a neighborhood on the outskirts of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.  Among those who have been displaced, access to food and water is scarce, healthcare is severely limited, families are living in small tents, and there are no opportunities for children to continue their education.

ODW partnered with Justice Rising to support school-age children in Goma experiencing trauma and displacement.  With this support, 92 of the most vulnerable children living in the Kihisi IDP camp were able to enroll at the Justice Rising school in Kihisi: Main Dans La Main Primaire.  Justice Rising integrated these students into the school by hiring and training teachers from the IDP camp.  Students received school supplies and uniforms, and their families were given a small monthly stipend to purchase basic food and medicines.  Through our partnership, students and their families gained education, counseling and relief supplies during a time of crisis.