In March 2025, a severe tropical storm struck the city of Kimpese in the Democratic Republic of Congo, causing extensive damage to homes and community infrastructure. Among the affected institutions was Ngemba 2 Primary School, the largest primary school in the area, serving children from Kimpese and surrounding rural communities.
The storm destroyed the roof of a four-classroom block, forcing 233 students to leave their learning spaces. The school’s cultural and recreational hall was also rendered unsafe, removing an important space for student activities and community gatherings. As an immediate measure, displaced pupils were accommodated in already overcrowded classrooms, placing pressure on teaching conditions and child protection standards.
In response, the Redemptorist Solidarity Office (RSO), in partnership with the Redemptorist Vice-Province of Matadi and with the support of Misean Cara, implemented a short-term emergency intervention focused on restoring safe school facilities.
The project resulted in the reconstruction of four storm-resilient classrooms and the rehabilitation of the school’s cultural and recreational space. These works allowed displaced students to return to structured learning and improved conditions for the wider school community of more than 1,300 pupils and 29 staff members.
Local school leaders, parish authorities, and parent representatives were closely involved throughout the response, ensuring that safeguarding measures were respected and that the intervention reflected community priorities. Following completion, students and teachers were able to resume normal school routines in a safer and more supportive environment.
This emergency programme helped stabilise learning conditions after the storm and reaffirmed the importance of schools as places of protection, continuity, and hope for children affected by sudden crisis.
