World Food Programme Fighting Hunger Worldwide

In the Republic of Congo, food insecurity and poverty limit the access of rural households to basic social and education services, including primary school education. Despite improvements in primary enrolment rates, drop-out and absenteeism are high (up to 65 percent in the most food-insecure areas), leading to low primary completion. Although the Government has progressed in its promotion of universal education, school enrolment fees amount to US$1 per child, leaving 50 percent of households living under the poverty line unable to afford this service.