Education in the DRC: a prefect on the run after embezzlement
The prefect of the Myriam 1 school complex in Bukavu is currently on the run, after being caught for allegedly embezzling the selection fees of 27 students from his school for the National Test for Selection, Educational and Professional Orientation (TENASOSP). The students were taken elsewhere to take their exams, alerting the school that took them in and prompting an investigation.
The investigation then revealed that the prefect had collected more than the fees charged to the pupils and had even claimed a thousand francs for the photocopy of the questionnaires. The promoter of the school Myriam I, who had himself been questioned by the authorities, immediately took action to suspend the prefect on the run. The authorities have also called on parents to be vigilant when choosing a school for their children.
This incident is unfortunately not an isolated case in the DRC, where several prefects have been suspended for similar embezzlement. IPP Jean-Marie Mwayese took the opportunity to remind school officials to choose their managers well to avoid future tragedies.
This umpteenth case of embezzlement highlights the extent of corruption in the Congolese education system and the need for the authorities to act quickly to restore confidence in the sector. Parents should also be aware of the need to monitor the activities of the schools where they send their children and to promptly report any suspicious behavior.