As the leading ecotourism agency in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kwafrika Travel continues to redefine what responsible tourism looks like in central and eastern Congo. Known for its immersive, community-centered travel experiences, the company has gone beyond exploring landscapes toshaping the future of DR Congo, one child at a time.
Building on the resounding success of its flagship educational initiative, Utalii Kwetu, which has reached over 10,000 children, Kwafrika Travel has once again joined hands with Groupe Utalii Kwetu, the Université Libre de Bruxelles and the Université Libre des Pays des Grands Lacs to launch an innovative new initiative in Goma: the Université des Enfants – Goma (UDE Goma).
UDE Goma: Inspiring the Next Generation of Eco-Conscious Leaders
Inspired by the Université des Enfants – Bruxelles model, UDE Goma is a free educational platform aimed at building children’s capacities in crucial 21st-century domains such as environmental protection, climate change, artificial intelligence, robotics, and more.
Since its launch, three workshops have already been conducted, impacting over 100 children from 20+ public and private schools in Goma. These sessions are specially designed to rekindle creative thinking, nurture problem-solving skills, and compensate for the deteriorating quality of education in the country, which has suffered from oversized classrooms and underpaid teachers since the implementation of the government’s 2019 free primary education policy.
Spotlight on the latest UDE – Goma worshop
Peacebuilding: “Explosives, Dangers, and Paths to Peace”
The third and most impactful workshop to date, held on May 17, 2025, addressed a topic both urgent and profound: “Explosives, Dangers, and Paths to Peace.” Led by Linalyayenga Vayighonga Lyn, a clinical psychologist from ULPGL Goma, the session was more than a lesson—it was a lifesaving intervention.
Why This Matters
Goma continues to grapple with violence, instability, and the presence of unexploded ordnance. On the same day of the workshop, a live bomb was found in a primary school classroom, highlighting the daily risks faced by children.
Educational Objectives Achieved
The session focused on four key learning outcomes:
- Awareness of Explosives: Through child-appropriate content, children were educated on different explosive devices found in their environment, including mines, grenades, and homemade bombs.
- Safety Protocols: With roleplay and gentle simulations, kids learned how to identify suspicious objects and what actions to take, most importantly, to avoid contact and alert an adult.
- Understanding Conflict and Peace: A child-friendly story illustrated how war can start between communities and how justice and dialogue can pave the way to peace.
- Fostering Resilience: Children shared personal experiences with conflict and received messages of hope, cultivating their emotional strength and sense of responsibility as agents of peace.
Measurable Impact
Out of 33 children registered, 28 participated, representing 7 different schools across Goma:
- CS La Joie
- EP Milita
- EMP Kauta
- Youth Inspiration Academy (CAM)
- CS La Charité
- EP Matunda
- Institut Himbi
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Each child had the opportunity to speak about their fears, hopes, and dreams in a safe, empathetic space. Parents and teachers alike expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, seeing it as a rare yet essential complement to the formal education system.
What’s Next?
Kwafrika Travel and its partners are now coordinating individual psychological support for children most affected by trauma. This is being facilitated by clinical teams from Groupe Utalii Kwetu and ULPGL Goma, ensuring that the children do not just survive—but thrive.
Ecotourism in DR Congo with a Human Face
This initiative exemplifies Kwafrika Travel’s holistic view of ecotourism in DR Congo—not just as a journey through nature but as a transformational experience for communities. Through Université des Enfants – Goma, the agency is helping plant seeds of environmental consciousness, technological curiosity, and peace-building awareness in the hearts of Congo’s future leaders.
By aligning tourism with education and social impact, Kwafrika Travel is not only showing visitors the natural beauty of DR Congo but also investing in the very people who will protect it.
Interested in supporting ecotourism in DR Congo or partnering with Université des Enfants – Goma? It takes 20 USD to support a kid in a given workshop
Contact Kwafrika Travel to get involved in this life-changing journey.
