The increase in school fees in several official secondary schools in the town of Baraka, in the South Kivu 2 educational province, for the 2023-2024 school year, is a subject that is provoking strong reactions within local civil society. This increase is seen as an attempt at the disguised privatization of public education, raising concerns about access to education for all.
Jacques Abùngùlù, coordinator of the new Congolese society of Baraka, strongly protested against this increase in school fees and calls on parents not to be intimidated by school leaders. According to him, this is an attempt to transform public schools into private companies. This initiative calls into question the role of the Congolese state in the management of educational establishments and raises questions about the consequences of this decision on access to education.
However, Bitangaca Kisombo 2, interim provincial director of the South Kivu 2 educational province, says he is concerned about this situation and is committed to resolving this problem with the involvement of the administration. He recalls that public schools cannot arbitrarily set school fees and that a government decree clearly defines these costs for the 2023-2024 school year. Any violation of this directive will be punished.
According to certain sources close to school heads, this increase in school fees is partly due to the depreciation of the Congolese franc. Prices would thus vary between 25,000 and 30,000 FC per month, depending on the schools. This situation raises concerns about its impact on access to education, particularly for low-income families.
It is essential to guarantee access to education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic level. Authorities must work in collaboration with stakeholders to find equitable solutions that keep school fees affordable while ensuring the quality of education.
In conclusion, the increase in school fees in Baraka schools raises concerns about access to education for all. It is essential that the authorities take measures to regulate these increases and guarantee equal access to education. Parents and civil society must also remain mobilized to defend the right to education for all children.