We Are Not Entirely Free Until All Children Are Free
Kassaga James Arinaitwe
“First of all, we don’t have houses. Second, we don’t have water. Third, we don’t go to school.”
Dogo Browny, A teenage rapper from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) provides a stark reality in these lyrics shared on Instagram. He sings too “We don’t go to school. Our mother was raped. We don’t want war. We want peace.”
Imagine that children have to endure this trauma that expressing the song in the song should awaken the human conscience. His words are shockingly reminded of the destructive effects of war on children and education. They’re only a few weeks in the world UN International Education Day– One occasion aims to reaffirm global commitment Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4): Ensure that inclusive, high-quality education is provided for all by 2030. However, this goal remains a distant dream for millions of children in conflict areas.
This crisis is more obvious than that of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the conflict has lasted for more than 30 years and is mostly downgraded to Norte Kiwa. Although the world is not completely silent, the crisis rarely makes global headlines, which is overshadowed by other devastating conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza and Lebanon. Today, it’s over 20 million According to the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), people need humanitarian assistance, of which 7 million fled Goma, North Kiwo and the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and 3.5 million children are trapped in this painful reality.
As the war escalated, more than 500 schools in North Kivo and Goma were forced to close. 750,000 children According to UNICEF, its learning was interrupted. After Goma fell into the M23 rebels, children reportedly picked up abandoned weapons, threatening their lives and the lives of their communities. Those who drop out of school become simple targets for recruitment and exploitation of armed groups. Not only did they miss education, they were stolen from childhood, security and future.
Crisis outside the border
I witnessed this crisis with my own eyes. In July 2023, I visited refugee settlements in the Kagadi and Kukube areas of Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo Teaching for Uganda– I co-founded and led an organization for nearly a decade – welcomed their important work as teachers. Parents with children fled Goma, Kivo or other Eastern Democratic Republic towns. Some people become residents due to Uganda’s open immigration policy. In every East African community (whether in Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda or Kenya), Congolese are seeking asylum, let alone like two,,,,, Nakivarand kyapali.
A Congolese colleague fled after discovering educational opportunities elsewhere, sharing the pain he witnessed his family and friends losing in the Thirty Years’ War, now reportedly claimed The lives of 6 million people. The conflict has been internally displaced and has forced almost 1 million refugeesAccording to UNHCR, o flee Africa.
No other humanitarian disaster in the world lasted for thirty years and there was little international action. This ongoing trauma destroys the fabric of society, deprives children of their potential and keeps the entire community in poverty and health.
The power of change in education
I first know what losses and deprivation are there for the children. Before I was ten, I lost my parents and siblings in rural Uganda amid AIDS and other preventable diseases. The trauma of loss shapes my childhood in a way that I don’t want anyone to be—all children who can’t control their own situation. But unlike many war kids, I have the opportunity to get an education, thanks to the support of my grandmother and generous people. Education is my shelter and my way toward the future beyond my losses.
Education is a tool of resistance, which is why it is usually one of the first casualties of war. From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Sudan, to Eritrea, armed groups and oppressive regimes determine what children learn, who can teach, or even teach language. The school was attacked, the teacher fled, and the students were left behind. This is not only a regional issue, but also a global emergency that requires urgent action.
What to do
Governments should prioritize the efforts to place education at the centre of conflict recovery strategies. this East African Community (EAC) and African Union (AU) This crisis must be terminated decisively. Immigration alone cannot be the solution. The warring factions – the M23 rebels and the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo – must appear.
Philanthropists, multilateral and bilateral institutions should fund networks that work directly with local organizations to ensure resources reach those who need it most. Investing in conflict-proof educational models and technology-driven solutions for remote learning in refugee camps can help children continue their education.
But the deeper question is: Why are there never a lasting solution?
The land of the Democratic Republic of the Congo is Richest In the world – Contains cobalt, aristocrats, diamonds and other minerals that power our smartphones, electric vehicles and global industries. If these resources are morally and sustainable to benefit the Congolese, rather than to facilitate cycles of exploitation and war, children will receive gifts from their homeland rather than being trapped in displacement and dependence on global aid.
The median age in Africa is 19 years old, and by 2050 a quarter of the world will be Africans. Our choice to invest in quality education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today and beyond will determine whether the young population in Africa is prosperous or a cycle of violence and instability.
“We are children, not soldiers. We are one person, one country. We can fight the wars of this world together.”
Dogo Browny’s wisdom is a call to action. “We want peace. We don’t go to school.” We have to listen. Because unless all children have free learning, dreaming and thriving, none of us really is.
Kassga James Arinaweite is the senior director of emerging leaders and public participation for everyone. The co-founder and former CEO has taught for Uganda and has taught with the Aspen College Global Innovator Group.
