The Child Rights Action Hub’s Sibling Fund Extends Support to Siblings

Photo: An Action Hub case manager visiting a family in the remediation programme

For many families in the DRC, child labour is not just about one child; it is a household reality. Most children identified in the Child Rights Action Hub’s remediation programme come from large families where several siblings or cousins are also out of school. Without support for the wider family, the cycle of child labour and poverty risks continuing.

The Sibling Educational Support Programme & Fund was created to change that. By extending one year of schooling support to siblings and relatives under 16, the fund helps entire families move forward. During this year, case managers work closely with parents to build sustainable plans – whether through savings, new income streams, or vocational training – so children can remain in school beyond the initial support.

The programme is flexible and adapts to family circumstances. For households with only one working adult, the fund can cover all eligible children. Where both parents earn, families are encouraged to share the responsibility, with The Hub stepping in to bridge the gap. In cases where resources are limited, the most vulnerable children are prioritised.

Impact from the Sibling Fund Pilot in the 2024-25 School Year:

• 14 children have returned to school for a full year, creating a positive learning environment at home.

• 5 out of 6 families are now able to continue supporting their children’s education beyond the first year.

• One young person in vocational training secured part-time work in a local workshop, adding income to his household.

• 5 out of 6 families reported improved livelihoods through diversified or increased earnings.

Thanks to the pilot, all of our child labour remediation programmes are now also launching the Sibling Education Support Programme with support from numerous telecoms companies, dormakaba, TFM and funds from the UK government. An additional 99 siblings are starting school for the school year 2025/2026 because of this support.

As one grandfather shared: 

“We are grateful to The Hub for their support and assistance, which has enabled us to get all our children into school. The living stipend has also contributed to improving our social life.”

The Sibling Fund demonstrates the power of a holistic approach: when all children in a household are given a chance to learn, it boosts livelihoods and breaks the cycle of child labour. However, none of this would be possible without investment by companies and organisations currently supporting the Hub. Many of our Hub supporters are international companies with direct or indirect links (the majority) to the cobalt supply chain.

Over a dozen international companies, the UK government’s Modern Slavery Fund are currently directly supporting the Hub through a three-tiered recognition system:

• Entry-level Partner (>1 year) – Laying the groundwork for impact.

• Sustaining Partner (>3 years) – Providing consistent support for change.

• Legacy Partner (>5 years) – Creating lasting, transformative impact.

17 additional companies also indirectly support the Action Hub’s work through their membership in the Fair Cobalt Alliance. By investing in the Action Hub, these companies are playing a crucial role in enabling and growing the Sibling Fund programme and ensuring children across entire households can access education and opportunity.

You too can be part of the change. Learn more here or contact us to get involved.