Displaced Students in DRC Take Exams Amidst Trauma from Conflict

In the heart of Ituri province, the ongoing armed conflict continues to cast a long shadow over the lives of young Congolese, particularly those striving to complete their education. This year, final-year students displaced from Djugu territory find themselves in Bunia, the provincial capital, not only to sit for their crucial state examinations but also carrying the heavy burden of trauma inflicted by relentless violence in their home regions. Their testimonies paint a grim picture: the pervasive insecurity has not only disrupted their schooling for extended periods, preventing them from finishing their syllabi, but has also left deep psychological scars that threaten their academic success.

As these students navigate the preliminary stages of the state exams, their focus is divided between academic pressures and the lingering effects of violence. Many fled their homes months ago, while others arrived just before the exams, having been directly exposed to the brutality of armed groups. This precarious situation, as they themselves attest, significantly diminishes their chances of performing well. One student poignantly shared, "We weren't studying there because of the insecurity, we didn't finish the program. We leave ourselves in God's hands." This sentiment reflects a deep sense of uncertainty and a reliance on faith amidst overwhelming adversity.

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On n’étudiait pas là-bas à cause de l’insécurité, on n’a pas terminé le programme. Nous nous laissons entre les mains de Dieu.

Despite these profound challenges, educational authorities in Bunia are attempting to provide a semblance of support. The head of the Bunia 5 examination center, Makati Manganga, assures that a compassionate approach is being adopted, treating these vulnerable students with extra attention. "They are children whom I treat with more attention than others. They are in distress, we must not be too hard on them. We put them at ease so they can work like others, without stress," he explained. However, this localized support may not be enough. Many displaced students from Djugu and Mambasa are calling for a postponement of the exams, arguing that the current conditions do not guarantee a level playing field. Their plea highlights a systemic issue where conflict directly impedes educational opportunities, a reality often overlooked in international reporting that focuses solely on the violence itself rather than its far-reaching consequences on civilian life and development.

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Ce sont des enfants que je traite avec plus d’attention que les autres. Ils sont en détresse, on ne doit pas être trop dur avec eux. On les met à l’aise pour qu’ils puissent travailler comme les autres, sans stress.