In June 2022, a surge of violent conflict erupted in the North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) displacing roughly 100,000 people. Conflict has continued to increase throught 2023, and the UNHCR estimates that there are now over 500,000 people who have fled their homes and resettled on the outskirts of the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Among those who have been displaced, access to food and water is scarce, healthcare is severely limited, families are living in small crowded tents, and there are few opportunities for children to continue their education.

ODW partnered with Justice Rising to support school-age children experiencing trauma and displacement.  Through the project, 341 of the most vulnerable children living in IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) camps were able to continue their studies through a year of quality, conflict-sensitive education at 3 Justice Rising’s Schools: Main Dans La Main, Arc-en-Ciel, and La Servante. Justice Rising integrated these students into the schools by hiring and training teachers from the IDP camps.  Students received school supplies and uniforms, and parents also received support to establish small businesses for income generation.  Of the children who were enrolled, 92% were able to successfully complete the school year. Children learned about peace-building and social cohesion, and were kept safe from recruitment into armed militia groups, early child marriage, and sexual exploitation.