The start of the school year is a crucial moment in the lives of students and families, marking the start of a new year of learning. This year, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the 2023-2024 school year officially took place on Monday, September 4. In certain provinces of the country, this return to school took place timidly, with difficulties encountered by parents in obtaining essential school supplies.
In Kinshasa, the capital, students have returned to school in different communes, although timidly. In other towns in the interior of the country such as Bukavu, Kindu and Bunia, the start of the school year also took place normally. However, the city of Goma was marked by the call for a dead city day, which prevented students from returning to school. Teachers presented themselves alone in schools, highlighting the challenges facing the Congolese education system.
One of the main problems encountered by parents during the start of the school year is access to school supplies. Many families struggle to afford the notebooks, pens, uniforms and other items needed for their children’s education. This may partly explain the timid return to school in certain regions of the DRC. It is essential to find solutions to facilitate access to school supplies so that all students can start the year on an equal footing.
In addition to the difficulties of accessing school supplies, there are other challenges to overcome in the Congolese education system. In some provinces, teachers are expressing dissatisfaction with late payment of their salaries. This discontent underlines the financial difficulties faced by teachers, who play an essential role in the education of children.
It is essential that the Congolese authorities continue to invest in education, ensuring that teachers are properly paid and that school infrastructure is adequate. The start of the school year is an opportunity to recall the importance of education for the development of the country and for the future of Congolese children.
In conclusion, the start of the school year in the DRC this year was marked by challenges, both in terms of access to school supplies and delays in paying teachers. It is essential for the authorities to take measures to resolve these problems, in order to guarantee fair access to education for all Congolese children. Education is a fundamental right and essential for the development of a country, and it is necessary to ensure that no child is left behind.