Graduation ceremonies at the end of the nursery cycle banned by the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education: a controversial measure
In a recent circular note, the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education, Tony Muaba Kazadi, took the decision to prohibit the organization of graduation ceremonies at the end of the nursery cycle. This decision elicited mixed reactions from parents.
On the one hand, some parents support this ban, considering it a salutary measure to avoid excesses and incidents that may arise from these ceremonies. They believe that the collation of grades in the nursery cycle is above all a practice reserved for Higher and University Education, and that its extension to the nursery level is inappropriate.
On the other hand, there are parents who see this ban as a restriction of their freedoms. For them, the graduation ceremony is an opportunity for the child to become aware of the end of his maternal cycle and to celebrate this accomplishment as a family. They feel that the state should not limit their joy and ability to express pride in their children.
However, it is important to note that this practice of convocation of grades at nursery level is often motivated by financial interests and a search for visibility on the part of schools. Indeed, the organization of these ceremonies is often conditioned by the payment of additional fees or the purchase of uniforms, thus creating a lucrative activity for the schools.
In addition, some observers point out that the naivety or complicity of parents in the face of these requests from schools also contributes to the development of these ceremonies. Many parents feel obliged to organize these events to meet the expectations of establishments and thus ensure the continuity of their children’s education.
The decision of the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education to prohibit graduation ceremonies in the nursery cycle can be seen as an attempt to put an end to these abuses. However, some voices are raised to regret the late timing of this measure, which comes after the end of the current school year. It would be preferable for the Minister to communicate on this issue upstream, in order to avoid any confusion and frustration.
In conclusion, the prohibition of graduation ceremonies in the nursery cycle by the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education arouses various reactions from parents. While some support this decision as a necessary measure to prevent abuses, others see it as a restriction of their freedoms.. It is essential to find a balance between celebrating children’s achievements and preserving educational values