The new school year is underway at Maarifa Institute in Goma, the capital of North Kivu, but teachers and families are facing challenges linked to the Democratic Republic of Congo's ongoing crisis.

For parents, sending children back to school offers a sense of hope and an opportunity to prepare them for the future.

“As a parent, it makes me feel good to send my children to school for them to be educated. This is to prepare for their future. I consider education to be the key that truly unlocks a child's future,” one parent Deogracias Ndezi said.

Teachers, meanwhile, have been preparing lessons and adapting to the demands of a new academic year.

“It really wasn't easy. We had to push ourselves to prepare mentally and also get the national curriculum ready,” said teacher Emmanuel Kitaba.

Two weeks into the new semester, however, teachers say student attendance remains low.

Those who do attend often face challenges beyond the classroom, including illness, financial difficulties, shortages of school supplies and difficulties paying school fees.

“Some are truly stressed whether by illness, crises, a lack of money, a lack of school supplies, or an inability to pay school fees,” Kitaba said.

Despite the challenges, teachers say they have a responsibility to create a safe and supportive environment for their students.

“Once the children are in the classroom, the teacher must step up — because they are seen as a parental figure,” Kitaba said.

In a city affected by prolonged crisis, educators say keeping children in school remains vital to protecting their education and future.