The Synergy of Teachers’ Unions in the DRC recently held its general meeting to assess the 2022-2023 school year in Kinshasa. During this meeting, the structure recommended that the government pay the new salary scale in order to ensure a peaceful return to school. According to the teachers, this measure would allow them to meet the current cost of living.
In addition, the Synergy of teachers’ unions also demanded the suspension of the 10,000 FC levy on their salaries, which was arbitrarily deducted, as well as the restitution of the loss of earnings since last April. The teachers believe that respecting these commitments will contribute to a more serene 2023-2024 school year.
Education professionals are also asking the government to consolidate free basic education by building new schools. They also advocate the payment of a uniform salary and bonus for all primary school teachers, in order to ensure fairness in remuneration.
In a statement by the spokesperson for the Synergy of Teachers’ Unions, Jean-Bosco Puna, it is said: “We call for the payment of all primary school teachers of a standardized salary and bonus. The State will also have to revise upwards the operating costs of schools and management offices.”
However, it is important to emphasize that the government expressed its desire to invest in a successful return to school during the work of the joint government-union bench commission. The Minister of EPST, Tony Mwaba, affirmed this commitment.
In conclusion, the Synergy of Teachers’ Unions in the DRC shared its recommendations with the government to ensure a peaceful return to school. The payment of the new salary scale, the suspension of the puncture on salaries and the consolidation of free basic education are at the heart of the teachers’ demands. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to these demands to ensure quality education and fair recognition of teachers in the Democratic Republic of Congo