SEFSU: Validation of emergency education strategy to protect the right to learn in times of crisis

A technical workshop to validate the Strategy for Education and Training in Emergency Situations (SEFSU) was held on Friday, July 18, 2025, in Kinshasa, bringing together experts, national authorities, NGOs, and technical and financial partners, with the aim of ensuring the continuity of education for Congolese children in crisis situations. The session began with a presentation of the participatory process that led to the development of the document. The stages of consultation, analysis, and drafting were outlined, highlighting the involvement of all stakeholders in the education sector. At the heart of the discussions: the DRC’s acute vulnerability to natural disasters (floods, volcanic eruptions, droughts), health crises, and armed conflicts, which severely impact access to education. Frequent disruptions to schooling, caused by the destruction of schools and forced displacement, deprive thousands of children each year of their fundamental right to education. In light of this, SEFSU proposes concrete solutions: creating temporary learning spaces, promoting distance learning, providing psychosocial support, and building teachers’ capacity to respond to emergencies. The workshop facilitated a collective review of the strategy. Each section was reviewed and enriched with participants’ recommendations to improve its feasibility and impact on the ground. This validation marks a decisive turning point toward the implementation of sustainable solutions for resilient education in the DRC. With this strategy, the Congolese government and its partners reaffirm their commitment to protecting the right to education, even under the most difficult circumstances. The finalization and adoption of the SEFSU represent a strong commitment by the Congolese government and its partners to a resilient education system capable of withstanding shocks and ensuring educational continuity under all circumstances. Ouriel Mangitukwa & Arlette Melo