Despite the war raging on the hills surrounding Goma, capital of North Kivu Province in the DRC, grade exams concluding 6 years of primary school, began regularly on 3 June 2024.
Amidst this dramatic situation, the ‘Floribert Bwana Chui’ School of the Community of Sant'Egidio was chosen as the official exam venue for students from war zones. Having fled with their families and taken refuge on the outskirts of Goma, these children risked also losing, along with their homes, the possibility of progressing in their schooling.
The choice of the school for the exams is not accidental. Indeed, the district in which it is located, Mugunga, an area particularly hard hit by the conflict, is home to over 85,000 IDPs, coming from the Sake and Nzulo areas where the fighting is particularly intense. They chose to live close to the School of the Community because they feel ‘protected’ here. And indeed the children and families receive attention and help. This huge spontaneous refugee camp has also unfortunately been under rebel gunfire for several days. In the last bombardment alone, 14 refugees lost their lives and more than 40 were injured.
Despite the horrors of the war, which is getting closer and closer, the school continues to be a safe place for these children. These days, 354 refugee pupils are taking French and general culture exams in order to pass their primary school leaving exams.
This is also an expression of peaceful resistance to the violence that is increasing day by day and a sign of hope for the children and their families. War and violence must not quench the children's thirst for knowledge and desire for peace and a better future, the Community will stand by their side and support them.
