The school supply market in Beni (North Kivu) is off to a quiet start as the 2023-2024 school year approaches. Unlike previous years, the usual enthusiasm of parents for the purchase of school supplies seems to be on the decline.
Vendors at the Kilokwa central market in Beni report an unfavorable situation. Some of them explain this situation by the non-payment of State agents and civil servants, which directly affects the purchasing power of parents. Pajos Mutsunga, seller of school supplies, expresses his concern: “What is true, the parents do not have money to buy the school supplies. The situation is not good because they lack money to buy the supplies. schools.”
This situation is also due to the depreciation of the Congolese franc against the US dollar. This economic trend makes the purchase of school supplies more expensive for families. A client interviewed bears witness to this reality by stating that she had to be willing to buy a few school items.
Nevertheless, some sellers remain hopeful because of the start of registrations in some schools in the region. An optimistic Jonathan Gungwa says, “Registrations have started and customers are starting to come in little by little. Which is true, they will come in large numbers.”
This situation underlines the importance of families’ financial means in the purchase of school supplies and highlights the economic difficulties they face. It is essential that agents and civil servants of the State be paid in order to support the purchasing power of parents and to promote a good start to the school year.
In conclusion, the Beni school supply market is facing a quiet start due to the lack of enthusiasm from parents linked to financial difficulties and the depreciation of the local currency. The current economic situation highlights the importance of resolving these issues quickly to ensure equitable access to education for all