The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is among the world’s five poorest nations, with nearly 76% of people living on less than $2.15 a day
In the Kasaï province, one of the country’s poorest regions, years of violence by armed groups, militias and government forces have left thousands dead, displaced about:
people, and led to the recruitment and later reintegration of thousands of child soldiers.
Conflict that escalated in the Eastern province in early 2025 forced more than 2,500 schools and learning spaces to close, including those in displacement camps, leaving an estimated:
children without access to education. Girls were especially affected, becoming more than twice as likely to be out of school compared to girls in stable contexts.
0%
Nationwide, 97% of primary-age children are not proficient in reading, due to poor quality of education or lack of access to schooling.
