Statistics from UNESCO and UNICEF show that children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face severe educational challenges, and many never complete secondary school. While enrollment has improved in recent years, there are still large drop-offs at higher levels of education. For example:

• Only about 51% of girls complete lower secondary education, compared with 63.5% of boys. UNESCO IICBA
• Enrollment rates for secondary education show a significant gender gap, with approximately 44% of femalesenrolled compared to 70% of males. UNESCO IICBA
• Overall, millions of children remain out of school: UNICEF reports that about 7.6 million children aged 5–17 currently do not attend school. UNICEF

These official figures show that fewer girls than boys progress through the education system, especially into and through secondary school. Research also highlights that lack of proper sanitation and adequate latrines is one of the factors that contributes to girls dropping out, especially after they reach puberty. Access to safe and separate sanitation facilities has been shown in many contexts to increase girls’ retention and attendance in school.

Jesus Promotion Church International recognizes that much work remains to be done to ensure that all children, and especially girls, can stay in school, learn effectively, and reach their full potential.