An Alternative Learning Opportunity for Displaced Children
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Loading... - Joseph Tagoe
- 19 Sep 2024
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In the midst of conflict and displacement, education can be a powerful tool for hope and resilience. For 12-year-old Joséphine, a displaced child living in the Bulengo displacement site near Goma, radio education has become a lifeline to continue her learning and pursue her dreams. Her story is a testament to the determination and resilience of displaced children, and highlights the importance of innovative solutions like radio education in ensuring that these children do not miss out on their right to education.
Joséphine's love for learning is evident in her words, "When I grow up, I will be a teacher, and I will teach math, French, history, and geography to children." Despite being forced to flee her village and leave behind her school and friends, she remains committed to her education. Before arriving at the Bulengo site in February 2023, Joséphine lived in the village of Nyamitaba, where she was enrolled in the fourth grade. The armed conflicts in the region forced her to flee with her family, leaving behind her school and friends. However, she has not let this setback deter her from pursuing her dreams.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is dire, with about 900,000 children aged 6 to 17 out of school due to violence in the eastern region. The North Kivu province, where Joséphine is, has been particularly affected, with nearly 1,000 primary schools closed in the first quarter of 2024. This has left many children like Joséphine without access to traditional education. However, the radio education program has provided a much-needed alternative, enabling them to continue their learning despite the challenges.
The radio education program, launched in January 2024 with the support of the Norwegian Government, has enabled over 9,400 displaced children like Joséphine to resume their learning. By participating in listening clubs organized at displacement sites, these children can continue to learn and acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their education as soon as possible. The program is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration in addressing the complex challenges faced by displaced children.
For Joséphine, the radio lessons are not just a way to pass the time; they represent a chance to build a future, to regain a sense of normalcy, and to keep hope alive for better days ahead. Her mother, Lendrine, feels reassured knowing her children are safe while they study. "I want my children to study so that later they can freely choose their career path while being useful to our country and their family," she concludes. The radio education program offers a promising future to children like Joséphine, enabling them to continue dreaming and preparing for a better future, despite the challenges they face.
The story of Joséphine and the radio education program highlights the need for continued support and investment in education for displaced children. It is essential that we prioritize education in emergency situations, ensuring that children like Joséphine have access to quality education that can help them build a better future. By working together, we can ensure that no child is left behind, and that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
