Decades of armed conflict, natural disasters, and an influx of refugees have led the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into a multidimensional humanitarian crisis, with children being the most affected. Many children face exploitation, violence, and limited access to education. However, amidst these challenges, climate-focused education and protection programmes are emerging as a potential solution. Street Child's "greening project" in the DRC is leading the way, creating green spaces around schools to foster a protective environment and provide economic benefits for communities. This blog post explores the impact of greening projects in transforming schools and sowing the seeds for a brighter future in the DRC.

The greening project in the DRC, involved planting trees and creating green belts around 20 schools, involving both students and parents. The funds for the seeds and wider project were provided by Street Child. Charles Mampasu Kyatula, Head of Programmes in the DRC, explains that students actively participate in planting nurseries, while parents extend this initiative to their own homes and communities. Green spaces have been proven to enhance mental health, provide shade for classrooms, and create positive environments. By engaging children as active contributors to environmental regeneration, the greening project empowers them to replicate these practices within their communities, fostering a sense of responsibility and positive change. 

One key aspect of the greening projects is the incorporation of income-generating activities that support educational needs. Poverty remains a significant barrier to education in the DRC, with many parents struggling to cover associated costs. Income-generating activities, such as community forestry and fruit cultivation, provide resources for families to support their children's education. Fruits from these initiatives are sold, generating income for schools to improve facilities and create a sustainable source of funding. This economic resilience empowers families and helps break the cycle of poverty, enabling more children, including girls, to access education.

By placing schools at the centre of communities, greening projects empower children to become catalysts of positive change. The projects instil a sense of responsibility and resilience, teaching children about environmental conservation and economic sustainability. As Charles describes, schools and pupils become incubators of responsible climate change practices, fostering transformational green leadership within communities. The ripple effect of these initiatives is profound, with communities adopting the practices initiated by the children and exponentially increasing fruit cultivation.

In the global climate movement, youth advocacy and action have proven pivotal in galvanising the much-needed momentum in tackling such a huge crisis. The greening projects in the DRC follow this trend by centering children as active participants and agents of positive change. 10-year-old Jean* told Street Child:

“The most important activity I prefer doing is growing fruit plant because, I will eat fruits when they will be mature. I will never spend my money buying fruits, as I have also initiated my small “plantation” around our house. I am using mosquito net to protect my plants against goats and cows”. 

By fostering a love for planting and cultivating fruits, children like Jean not only contribute to their own sustenance but also inspire their communities to replicate these practices. Their actions demonstrate the potential for transformative green leadership and create a ripple effect of environmental consciousness.

The greening projects in the DRC are transforming schools and communities by sowing the seeds of change. By creating green spaces, engaging children in environmental regeneration, and fostering economic empowerment, these initiatives provide a pathway to a brighter future. The greening projects not only improve educational environments and mental well-being but also empower communities to build sustainable economies. With youth at the forefront, the greening projects demonstrate the potential for children to become catalysts of transformative green leadership, fostering a more resilient and environmentally conscious society in the DRC.