As we reflect on the completion of the 2024–2025 school year in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), we do so with deep gratitude—first to God, and also to each of you who has faithfully walked alongside Rudi International and the Rudi Education program during an extraordinarily difficult season.

This academic year unfolded amid prolonged insecurity, economic strain, and repeated disruptions to daily life in eastern DRC. According to international humanitarian and media sources, schools across North Kivu experienced closures, displacement of families, and interruptions to essential services. In such a context, education became uncertain for countless children and young adults.

Yet, by God’s grace, learning did not disappear.

A Year of Accompaniment Amid Uncertainty

During the 2024–2025 academic year, nine students were enrolled and supported through the Rudi Education program:

• Five secondary school students
• Four university students

This number reflects the full scope of students for whom tuition commitments, academic follow-up, and holistic support were provided during the year. From our larger numbers from previous years, some students completed academic cycles, others withdrew voluntarily, and a few were forced to discontinue their studies due to circumstances beyond their control.

For much of the year, schools were intermittently closed, including a prolonged shutdown between late January and early March 2025. Even during these interruptions, Rudi Education maintained contact with students and families—monitoring academic progress where applicable, emotional well-being, and safety whenever conditions allowed.

Students Who Persevered

Out of the 5 that enrolled at the beginning of the school year for high school, one dropped and could not complete. Similarly, for university, one dropped as well.

The students who persevered in 2024–2025 demonstrated remarkable resilience. Continuing education amid fear, displacement, and uncertainty required discipline and courage. Those who remained through the year met academic expectations and pressed forward despite instability around them.

Their progress is not merely academic—it is a testimony to God’s grace and perseverance sustained through long-term partnership with you, our supporters and prayer partners.

Volunteers and Partners Who Remained Faithful

The 2024–2025 school year was marked by significant security constraints that affected both mobility and the normal functioning of program activities. These conditions limited in-person engagements with partner schools and beneficiaries. However, academic follow-up, periodic reporting, and coordination with school authorities continued through alternative means whenever possible. As reported in our newsletter covering January 2025, the organization also experienced the theft of equipment at the Rudi Elimu Technology Center, which led to the temporary closure of our offices and further reduced operational capacity. Despite these challenges, the program team maintained regular contact with students and their families to the extent permitted by the context, ensuring continuity of support throughout the school year.

Rudi International expresses its sincere appreciation to the volunteers and partner institutions whose commitment and perseverance sustained the program during a period of heightened insecurity.

Looking Ahead: Students Who Need Us Now

As the 2025–2026 school year cautiously resumes, seven students are currently enrolled in the Rudi Education program:

• Four secondary school students
  
• Three university students
  

These students—all of these have been with Rudi International for more than a decade now —depend on continued prayer, funding, and encouragement to remain in school.

An Invitation to Stand With Us

Rudi International operates with limited financial resources, and sustaining even a small number of students requires consistent generosity.

We invite you to:

• Pray for students, families, volunteers, and peace in the region
• Give, as you are able—through a one-time or recurring donation
• Share our mission with others who value faith-based, holistic education
  

Your partnership helps ensure that education remains a source of hope—even in fragile times.

With Gratitude

We thank God for His protection and provision throughout this difficult year. And we thank you—for praying, giving, and believing that education is still worth defending.“The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.”  — Psalm 29:11