Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Oxfam's work combines short-term emergency relief with longer-term development projects.
Working with displaced people
Despite its vast potential wealth, DR Congo is one of the poorest countries in the world. Years of conflict have created one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
- 1 million people displaced
- An estimated 5.4 million killed as a consequence of the war since 1998, most from preventable diseases
- A critical lack of health care and education
- Malnutrition is widespread
How Oxfam is helping
We work with communities that are hosting tens of thousands of displaced people in the east of the country. Our focus is on providing clean water and sanitation facilities to minimise the spread of disease.
Before, we were suffering from a lot of stomach problems. We’ve really noticed a change since Oxfam has been working with us.
Chief Singo Pele
Datule village
Learn more
Read more examples of our work in the Democratic Republic of Congo:
This programme is directly funded by Oxfam Australia, Oxfam Ireland, and SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.
Creating a better environment for learning
After two wars, 30 years of government neglect, and prolonged economic crisis, primary education in the DRC is limited and often non-existent, keeping future generations locked in poverty.
- Nearly 50 per cent of children do not attend school
- 75 per cent of those who do, drop out before their fifth year
How Oxfam is helping
Oxfam is working to improve the quality of basic education and increase school enrolment, especially among girls. We train teachers and have been refurbishing schools, making them rainproof and supplying them with desks.
I can now learn better, the roof is much better and I like the new benches.
Sarah Mokita, pupil at Diangenda School
Other development work
- Improving hospital facilities in the capital, Kinshasa
- Promoting good hygiene practices among displaced communities living in temporary shelters
