VOICED: DRC Children quitting school to work in mines

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, many children, like a nine-year-old boy, work in mines to support their families, sacrificing their education. Schools near mines see high dropout rates as families prioritize income over schooling. A Belgian NGO is working to reverse this trend by educating parents on the importance of education and providing financial support to families. Despite these efforts, many children return to the mines during holidays, highlighting the ongoing struggle between education and economic necessity.

What motivates the nine-year-old boy to work in the mines?

• To avoid school

• To learn mining skills

• To earn money for his family

• To buy toys

What was the initial number of pupils in the first-year class mentioned in the transcript?

• 11

• 37

• 22

• 19

Why do some parents allow their children to work in the mines?

• To prepare them for future careers

• To keep them away from bad influences

• To teach them responsibility

• To earn extra income for the family

What strategy does the Belgian NGO use to encourage education?

• Building new schools

• Educating parents and providing financial support

• Offering scholarships for higher education

• Providing free school meals

What happens to many children during the holidays despite the NGO's efforts?

• They participate in sports camps

• They attend summer school

• They return to the mines

• They go on vacation