Back to school is fast approaching in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and this year, new measures are being put in place to relieve parents. Indeed, the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education (EPST), Tony Mwaba, has banned all expenditure other than school fees in schools.
In a note addressed to the directors of the educational provinces, the minister specified that parents are free to obtain school supplies, uniforms and physical education clothing on the market of their choice. In addition, registrations are free and must be made on the dates set by the school calendar. No admission test should be organized for new students and no re-registration fees should be charged to former students.
This measure aims to guarantee access to education for all students, without discrimination based on ethnicity, race, religion or school fees. No student may be excluded for these reasons. In addition, it is specified that the installments of school fees cannot be required before the start of the school year, and that all fees must be paid in national currency, namely the Congolese Franc.
Minister Mwaba reminds school directors of the importance of the strict application of these measures and encourages collaboration between all educational partners. He stresses that partnership is essential in the management of the education sector and asks those in charge to work in synergy with all the actors concerned.
These new practical arrangements are put in place to ensure a peaceful return to school in approved public and private establishments. Compliance with these measures is therefore essential and any violation must be severely sanctioned.
This initiative of the Ministry of EPST aims to ease the financial burden for parents and guarantee access to education for all children in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also makes it possible to combat discrimination and promote equal opportunities.
In conclusion, these new measures announced by the Minister of EPST for the start of the 2023-2024 school year in the Democratic Republic of Congo are a positive step forward for Congolese families. They guarantee access to education for all students, regardless of their origin or financial situation, and help to establish a peaceful return to school