Standing with Refugee Communities in Bouemba: CVEF Joins UNHCR Mission to Assess Educational Needs

June 2026 | Bouemba District, Nkeni-Léfini, Republic of Congo

From 2 to 7 June 2026, the Cornish Views Education Foundation (CVEF) participated in a joint field mission to Bouemba, a district located in the Nkeni-Léfini region of the Republic of Congo. The mission brought together representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the National Commission for Assistance to Refugees (CNAR), the Commission for Mutual Aid to Migrants and Refugees (CEMIR), and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.

The primary objective of the UNHCR-led mission was to better understand the living conditions of refugees residing in Bouemba, the majority of whom have fled conflict and instability in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). For CVEF, the visit provided an important opportunity to assess the educational realities faced by refugee children and identify areas where meaningful support can be provided.

Listening to Communities

Throughout the mission, the delegation met with local authorities, school leaders, teachers, refugee families, and community representatives. Discussions were conducted using an inclusive Age, Gender and Diversity (AGD) approach, ensuring that the voices of older persons, adults, adolescents, and young people were heard.

These consultations revealed not only the resilience of refugee families but also the significant barriers preventing many children from accessing quality education.

A School System Under Enormous Pressure

One of the key sites visited was the Bouemba Primary School, which currently serves both Congolese and refugee children.

The findings highlighted a school system operating under immense pressure.

• 902 children are currently enrolled in the school.

• 503 students (55.8%) are refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

• 399 students (44.2%) are Congolese nationals.

• More than 600 pupils are concentrated in the lower grades (CP1, CP2 and CE1), creating overcrowded classrooms and challenging learning conditions.

  
  

The mission observed that the number of classrooms is insufficient for the growing student population. Existing infrastructure struggles to accommodate demand, and shortages of desks, benches, and learning materials further impact the quality of education.

In addition, the school faces a shortage of teaching staff, resulting in very high pupil-to-teacher ratios, particularly in the early years of education where strong educational foundations are most critical.

Signs of Educational Vulnerability

Beyond infrastructure challenges, the mission identified worrying indicators of educational vulnerability.

School attendance drops significantly in upper primary levels, suggesting early school dropout among both refugee and host-community children. Particular concern was raised regarding girls' education, where a noticeable gender imbalance appears in higher grades, indicating that many girls leave school before completing primary education.

These trends highlight the need for targeted interventions that address both access to education and long-term retention.

What Refugee Communities Are Asking For

During community consultations, refugee families clearly articulated their priorities for improving educational outcomes.

Their recommendations included:

• Distribution of school kits and essential learning materials for vulnerable children.

• Construction of additional classrooms to reduce overcrowding.

• Rehabilitation and expansion of existing school infrastructure.

• Provision of additional desks and benches.

• Recruitment and deployment of more qualified teachers.

These requests reflect practical, achievable solutions that could significantly improve educational opportunities for hundreds of children living in Bouemba.

CVEF's Perspective

For CVEF, this mission reaffirmed a simple but powerful reality: education remains one of the most effective ways to restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for displaced children.

The challenges observed in Bouemba are not unique. Across many refugee-hosting communities in Central Africa, schools are expected to accommodate growing numbers of learners with limited infrastructure and resources.

However, the mission also demonstrated the strength of collaboration. By working alongside UNHCR, government institutions, and local partners, sustainable solutions can be developed that benefit both refugee and host communities.

Looking Ahead

Based on the mission findings, several priority actions emerged:

• Strengthening educational infrastructure through the construction of additional classrooms.

• Increasing the number of teachers serving Bouemba Primary School.

• Providing school furniture and learning materials.

• Supporting vulnerable children through school kit distributions.

• Exploring opportunities for dedicated educational support for refugee children who remain outside the formal education system.

  
  

CVEF remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve access to quality education for every child, regardless of their background or circumstances.

The children of Bouemba have demonstrated determination and resilience. Together with our partners, we will continue working to ensure that they have the learning environment and opportunities they deserve.

Education is not only a pathway out of poverty; it is a pathway towards stability, inclusion, and hope for refugee and host communities alike.