The education of indigenous children in the Republic of Congo faces significant challenges. While access to primary school is relatively easier due to the proximity of schools to most villages, the real difficulties begin at the secondary level. Some students must travel long distances to reach school, while others are forced to relocate far from their families to continue their education.
These obstacles become even more complex at the high school and university levels. At these critical stages, students must move to larger cities, requiring them to rent housing, secure food, access healthcare, and cover transportation costs. These challenges explain why so few indigenous students make it to high school and university.
In response to this reality, our program has emerged as a true catalyst for change. By supporting the education of indigenous children from primary school through university, we have achieved a significant milestone: thanks to our boarding school for indigenous high school students built in Sibiti, we have been able to provide these young people with an environment conducive to their success.
Today, we are proud to announce that our program supports 14 indigenous students enrolled in university, including seven young women. This milestone marks a historic turning point in the representation of indigenous people in higher education in the Republic of Congo.
This success has not come without challenges. Despite our progress, we face critical needs in housing, nutrition, and healthcare for these students. However, each step we take brings us closer to our goal: breaking down educational barriers for indigenous communities and offering these young people a brighter future.
This achievement is a source of hope not only for these students but also for their communities. By investing in their education, we are laying the foundation for lasting change, inspiring the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
Thank you to all our partners and supporters. Together, we are making this vision a reality.