School year preparations falter in Goma amid economic struggles

With the 2026-2027 school year set to begin in two weeks, preparations in Goma, North Kivu, remain subdued. While markets and stationery shops have stocked up on items like backpacks, notebooks, and uniforms, a significant number of parents have yet to make purchases, citing the prevailing economic difficulties and their limited purchasing power.

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With the start of the school year, I don't think it will work. Because with the current situation, we really don't have money to buy school supplies. I haven't bought anything yet. Even the uniforms, the notebooks, I don't know how it will happen. It's really not working.

In the Birere commercial center and various stationery stores, school supplies are available, but customer traffic is low. Many parents express their inability to afford the necessary items. One Goma resident stated, "With the start of the school year, I don't think it will work. Because with the current situation, we really don't have money to buy school supplies. I haven't bought anything yet. Even the uniforms, the notebooks, I don't know how it will happen. It's really not working."

Despite these challenges, some parents are making an effort to buy at least the essential supplies to ensure their children can return to school. High unemployment rates and persistently low purchasing power plague the region. "But, as they are our children, they are the future of the country. We are doing everything so that they can go back to school, even if it's with only half the school supplies," said a parent from the Birere neighborhood.

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But, as they are our children, they are the future of the country. We are doing everything so that they can go back to school, even if it's with only half the school supplies.

Local merchants have reportedly reduced prices on some items to attract customers, but sales remain sluggish. One merchant explained, "Few parents are buying. We have even lowered the price of some items. The backpack we used to sell for $25, given the current situation, we had to lower it. We are selling it for $10." Economic activity in Goma has been slow for months, and as the September 1st school reopening approaches, many families report struggling to cover their children's educational expenses.

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Few parents are buying. We have even lowered the price of some items. The backpack we used to sell for $25, given the current situation, we had to lower it. We are selling it for $10.