At IWOF, our hearts are overflowing with joy as we share this incredible update: “We are so happy to report that all the children at Grace Orphanage received a passing grade this school year. This is an amazing achievement considering the circumstances of living in a war zone which interrupted school for several weeks.” It’s a testament to resilience, dedication, and the unwavering support from our community.

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the dream of education is often overshadowed by conflict and instability. In the conflict-ridden provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, around 795,000 children were deprived of schooling due to ongoing violence, up from 465,000 just months earlier, in part because over 2,500 schools had to be shuttered or repurposed. In Ituri alone, escalating violence forced 290 schools to be damaged or destroyed, pushing the number of out-of-school children past 1.3 million.

Furthermore, between January 2022 and March 2023, insecurity in eastern DRC led to the closure of at least 2,100 schools, affecting the education of around 750,000 children in North Kivu and Ituri.

The Congo education system faces persistent structural challenges. Though primary education was declared free in 2010, approximately 25% of primary-aged children and 60% of adolescents still aren’t enrolled in school. Teacher shortages exacerbate the issue wherein nationally, classes average one teacher per 37 pupils, while in marginalized areas it can skyrocket to 100 pupils per teacher.

Decades of conflict have destabilized the system. More than 5.2 million children never received any education as a result of the First and Second Congo Wars. Even today, government spending on education hovers under 6%, and teachers often go unpaid, forcing parents to cover school costs out-of-pocket.

Amid this harsh backdrop, the achievements at Grace Orphanage shine all the brighter. Despite school interruptions caused by war, every student passed which is an accomplishment we celebrate with immense pride.

This success stems from:

• Safe, supportive learning environments
• Extra academic support and catch-up classes
• Psychosocial encouragement and stability
• Community and donor-driven support to bridge gaps left by systemic failures

These efforts demonstrate that even a single institution’s commitment makes a world of difference.

In war zones, school isn’t just a place of learning but a sanctuary. As UNICEF highlights, education offers psychosocial support, a semblance of normalcy, and protection against recruitment by armed groups and exploitation.

Moreover, across conflict-affected regions, the lack of schooling isolates millions of children from basic skills and future opportunities. Yet seeing 100 % pass rate at Grace Orphanage under such circumstances reignites our belief that all children, no matter their contex, can thrive with the right support.

1. Expand catch-up learning programs so that when schools are disrupted, learning doesn’t stop.
2. Strengthen community-based education leveraging radio classes, temporary learning spaces, and local mentors.
3. Advocate for sustained investment in teacher support, infrastructure, and education funding.
4. Mobilize psychosocial and educational support tailored to conflict-impacted children.

Your support brings this narrative of triumph to life. You can make a direct impact by supporting our Back to School 2025 campaign on CanadaHelps, ensuring the children at Grace Orphanage start the school year equipped with books, uniforms, and hope. Visit our Back to School 2025 campaign to learn how your generosity transforms futures.

Alternatively, you can sustain IWOF’s broader mission by donating through our main support portal. Every contribution helps fund essential programs, from academic catch-up classes to food and family support, making education possible for children in crisis. You can show your support at our Donate page.

Together, we’re more than a charity and a force for resilience.