Help Save Children in the DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is one of the worst countries in which to be a child. Home to one of the world’s poorest health systems, one in five children in the DRC dies of preventable diseases before their 5th birthday. Increasing numbers of families and children are being displaced due to conflict and poverty. Many of these children find themselves becoming victims of child trafficking and violence.

The Challenges for Children in the DRC

With high rates of poverty, little access to healthcare or education, and increasing violence, children in the Democratic Republic of Congo need your help.*

  • 67% of girls 15 and older are literate
  • 18% of school-age children don’t attend school
  • 94 out of 1000 children die
    before their 5th birthday
  • 63% of people live in poverty
  • 38% of children are engaged in child labor
Map of Democratic Republic of Congo

Our Work for Children in the DRC

Working on behalf of children in the DRC since 1994, today Save the Children works in five regions throughout the troubled country. Partnering with local communities and other stakeholders at all levels, Save the Children’s staff help children in the Democratic Republic of Congo by getting children back to school, providing them with healthcare and nutrition support, and protecting them from exploitation and abuse.

We have increased access to quality basic education for thousands of children in elementary schools across the country, training teachers, distributing learning materials, constructing classrooms and establishing children's clubs that encourage children to stay in school. We’ve reached thousands of vulnerable children by training local leaders and communities to prevent and respond to exploitation, abuse, violence and neglect, providing medical, emotional and social support to hundreds of separated and unaccompanied children, and identifying and supporting survivors of sexual violence.

  • Protected 55,238 children from harm
  • Supported 235,297 children in times of crisis
  • Provided 578,836 children with a healthy start in life
  • Gave 40,318 children vital nourishment

How to Help Children in the DRC

The heartbeat of an infant being recorded at the Dowa hospital in Malawi. Photo Credit: Lawrence Chen/Save the Children 2012.

Donate
Support Save the Children’s mission. Donate to help children in the DRC and around the world survive and thrive.

Sordibie feeds her son, 24 months, some therapeutic milk in the stabilization clinic supported by Save the Children in Aiguie, Niger. Photo Credit: Rachel Palmer/Save the Children 2011.

Sponsor a Child
Be the hero in the life of a child in need. Sponsor a child and help make sure they grow up healthy, educated and safe.

A young Ethiopian girl holds her precious goat to support the Save the Children Gift Catalog. Photo Credit: Gary Dowd/Save the Children 2010.

Shop Gift Catalog
Give a unique and meaningful gift that will bring joy – and change lives. Find something for everyone on your list.

Sources: * Unless otherwise noted, facts and statistics have been sourced from Save the Children’s 2018 End of Childhood Report. You can access detailed data here. Other sources as follows: Population: CIA World Factbook 2015

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