The teachers’ strike in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to be talked about. The Inter-union of Primary, Secondary and Technical Teachers’ Unions has convened a general meeting to assess the Government’s promises and take decisions. This assembly should take place on May 18 in Kinshasa.
According to Godefroid Matondo, spokesperson for the intersyndicale, the government has breached its commitments regarding the mechanization of the New Teachers’ Units, which was announced by EPST Minister Tony Muaba Kazadi last April. Similarly, the additional payroll which was to cover the New Units was not executed, despite the promises of the budget ministry.
Faced with this situation, the teachers decided to put in place strike measures, threatening to block all the certification tests. The finalists were able to pass their exam thanks to the intervention of the Prime Minister.
The general meeting convened by the Intersyndicale des Syndicates des Syndicats des Efst teachers should make it possible to determine the future of the 2022-2023 school year.
This situation is worrying, because it shows once again the non-respect of commitments on the part of the government, which weighs on education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Teachers are on the front line to provide quality education to students, but their working conditions are often difficult.
It is important that the government take steps to improve the situation of teachers and guarantee quality education for Congolese children. Strikes are not the solution, but a strong signal that must be taken into account to build a fairer and more effective education