The new appeal will raise funds to support children who have been displaced by conflict.
Fighters from the March 23 (M23) rebel movement took control of Goma in North Kivu on 26 January, forcing thousands to leave their homes. The state has been devastated by conflict in recent years and more than five million people are already displaced.
In the city of Goma, home to one million people, schools and businesses have been shut down and basic services like water and electricity have been interrupted.
Our inclusive education project in the country has also been paused. The Education: The Right for Every Child project is helping to enrol 1,200 out-of-school children into school and training teachers to support students with disabilities so they are not excluded from learning.
The DRC already faces one of the worst education crises in the world. Over 40% of children in the region are not in school, leaving them vulnerable to violence and exclusion. For girls and children with disabilities, the risks are even higher.
“Chance for Childhood’s priority is the safety of already marginalised children in Goma, and the security of our partners’ staff. We urge all parties to ensure that humanitarian aid can reach those who need it, and that the interruption to education is ended swiftly,” said Chance for Childhood’s CEO, Anna-mai Andrews.
“All children deserve the opportunity to learn, play, grow and thrive – free from violence and conflict.”
Donations are urgently needed to assist our staff on the ground to support children and families in whatever way they can and to be there for them once the crisis improves.
About Chance for Childhood
We believe that no child should have to fight for a safe, happy childhood. We exist to ensure that every child in Africa can thrive from their early years through to adulthood.
We don’t work alone. Together with partners, supporters, children and their communities, we protect, educate and create lasting change for every child threatened by violence, neglect and conflict.
We specialise in ensuring access to inclusive education and safe spaces so that children in Africa can play, grow, learn and thrive.
About Education: The Right for Every Child project
Education: The Right for Every Child is implemented in the DRC by our local partner Children’s Voice. It began in 2024 and will run until 2027. The project identifies out-of-school children aged 6 to 18 and supports them to access education, either through accelerated learning centres or mainstream schools.
The project also provides tailored support to children with disabilities, inclusive education training for teachers and community engagement to improve attitudes and raise awareness of children’s rights. More about the project here: Education: Right for every child – Chance for Childhood
For media enquiries, contact: media@chanceforchildhood.org