Fe y Alegría helps children in Kikwit and Kinshasa access their right to a quality education. Fe y Alegría's support for a sustainable and equitable education system is an investment in the future of the Democratic Republic of Congo, a country of 99 million people, 60% of whom are under the age of 24. 

As part of the Xavier Network, Canadian Jesuits International supports Fe y Alegría in building the capacity of students, teachers, principals and parents. The project has already ensured the participation of 1,500 boys and 1,763 girls in a quality, sustainable and equitable education system. This has been achieved through cultural activities, literacy groups, and training for drop-out students. In addition, training workshops were conducted for 150 parents, 52 teachers, and 5 school principals. Through other activities, such as a radio literacy program, the project continues to impact access to information and educational materials beyond the schools it serves.

Fe y Alegría is a federation of local organizations that provides educational opportunities to marginalized populations in 19 countries. Fe y Alegría carries on the Jesuit tradition of education. The organization began its work in the DR Congo in late 2014, in regions on the outskirts of Kinshasa, and its success has contributed to its expansion to other regions of the country.

In the long term, Fe y Alegría hopes to address the lack of public investment in education in the DRC. They will also advocate for adequate teacher training, greater community support, and the inclusion of extra-curricular activities, especially for vulnerable communities in rural areas.

The DRC introduced free primary education in 2019, which enabled 4.5 million children to go to school. But challenges remain -- schools are overcrowded, and there is a shortage of teachers. Students enrolled in primary school do not complete it, with families unable to afford school-related fees and basic needs. As of 2023, one in five primary age children were out of school; over 4 million children aged 9-14 remain out of school.

Director: Fr. Alfred Kiteso SJ
Fe y Alegría DR Congo and Fe y Alegría Africa