Student Finds Solace at School After Mother’s Death

This story is from March 20, 2025. It’s about a student named Beloved, who attends FATEB KINSHASA Academy (FKA) in 8th grade. She began her studies here 2 years ago.   

At an open day organized by the school last November, when we were covering the subject of ‘trauma,’ Beloved took the floor in the presence of students and several parents to testify how she had been traumatized by the teachers at her former school. 

She was constantly described as less intelligent and as a girl who wouldn't be successful. From time to time, her classmates would imitate the teachers to belittle her in class. Beloved realized that classmates and teachers at FKA loved her and didn't behave in an undignified way towards her since she started attending here. 

This delighted her mother, who had enrolled Beloved's little brother in 3rd grade at FKA, so that the little one could also benefit from the care and love that the pupils show towards his sister. 

After all this, Beloved was faced with a difficult situation: the sudden loss of her mother on March 20 after a stroke. At first, she felt alone, lost and overwhelmed by grief. For the first few days after the death, she withdrew into silence, searching for meaning in life without her mother's presence. According to our culture, in the event of family bereavement, everything comes to a halt. No work is available for the family members of the deceased and no education is offered to the children until the dear departed one is buried. 

However, one day after the death of her mother, the student returned to school, surprising everyone. Her reason for returning to school was to find comfort in her colleagues and teachers, instead of staying at home. They were always there for her, encouraging her not to let her sadness get the better of her. Through small acts of kindness, sincere discussions and moments of sharing, they are helping her to overcome her grief. Beloved is beginning to understand that, even if the loss of her mother leaves an immense void, she can always count on the bonds of friendship that surround her. 

At school, she is re-engaging in her activities and rediscovering the power of solidarity and feeling less isolated. Thanks to her friends, she is managing to regain a sense of hope and balance, learning to smile and live again despite the pain of loss. 

Her whole family is extremely impressed by Beloved's courage, and they are grateful to FATEB KINSHASA Academy for what the school has achieved for their child. 

*"Beloved" is the student in blue and red on the far left of the picture.