Title: The State Examination in DR Congo: SYADEC members launch a petition to depoliticize the organization
Introduction :
The Union of Administrative and Teachers of Congo (SYADEC) recently launched a petition aimed at depoliticizing the organization of the State Examination in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This initiative was taken during a meeting with the press in Kinshasa, where inspectors, agents and teachers members of the union expressed their dissatisfaction with the role of private agencies in the organization of this crucial exam for Congolese students. In this article, we will examine the petitioners’ demands and their efforts to safeguard the integrity of the EPST General Inspectorate.
Depoliticize the organization of the State Exam:
SYADEC members demand the termination of the contract between the Ministry of EPST (Primary, Secondary and Technical Education) and the private agencies ZAION and SCHOOLAP, which were responsible for managing the controversial edition of the State Exam in 2023. According to the president of SYADEC, Angèle Payenzo, this request aims to remove the organization of this certification test from the hands of private agencies, and to entrust it to the General Inspectorate of EPST, a more independent and less subject entity to political influences.
Necessary rehabilitation:
The petitioners also underline the need to rehabilitate the General Inspectorate of the EPST and preserve it from any political interference. They judge that the organization of the State Exam in 2023 was marred by numerous flaws and sparked outrage and protests. To avoid such situations in the future, SYADEC members call for a return to the primary mission of the EPST General Inspectorate, which is to ensure the quality and equity of education in the DR Congo.
The right to petition:
In accordance with article 27 of the Congolese Constitution, which guarantees the right to petition the authority, SYADEC members have committed to collecting 10,000 signatures across the country to support their cause. They thus hope to put pressure on the competent authorities so that they take into account their legitimate demands and act in favor of a better organization of the State Examination.
Towards the general reports of the EPST General Inspectorate:
In addition to the termination of the contract with private agencies, the petitioners also recommend the holding of general reports from the EPST General Inspectorate by December. These general statements will make it possible to reflect on the best strategies to strengthen the role and effectiveness of this institution in the management of education in DR Congo..
Conclusion :
The petition launched by SYADEC to depoliticize the organization of the State Examination in DR Congo reflects union members’ concerns about the integrity and fairness of this crucial exam for Congolese students. By demanding the termination of the contract with private agencies and the rehabilitation of the EPST General Inspectorate, they hope to introduce significant changes in the way this examination is managed. It is crucial that the relevant authorities carefully examine these claims and take measures to ensure a fair and quality education system in DR Congo.