Every year, thousands of young Congolese prepare to take the State Exam, a crucial step for their future. However, this year, civil society in Bapere, a territory in North Kivu province, expressed deep concern over the participation fee for this review, set at 130,000 Congolese francs (US$50) for the 2024 edition. .
In a statement to Radio Okapi, Samuel Kakule, president of Bapere civil society, described this sum as exorbitant. He regrets that the authorities did not take into account the socio-economic and security realities of the province before setting this amount. Indeed, this part of North Kivu is affected by armed conflicts and chronic instability, which poses serious challenges for parents to provide for the needs of their children.
The president of civil society emphasizes that the financial difficulties encountered by many families make raising this sum almost impossible. He therefore calls on the governor of the province to reconsider these fees, taking into account local realities.
This call highlights an often neglected reality: the impact of socio-economic conditions on the education of young people. In regions affected by unrest and increased insecurity, families are already experiencing difficulties sending their children to school. Excessively high examination fees add additional financial pressure, making access to education even more difficult for many young Congolese.
It is crucial that authorities take these realities into account and seek appropriate solutions to guarantee access to education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic situation. Reducing examination fees would be an important first step to ensure equal opportunities and encourage the pursuit of studies in areas affected by insecurity.
The State Examination is a decisive stage in the lives of young Congolese, and it is essential that the authorities ensure that it does not become an insurmountable obstacle for the most vulnerable families. By investing in the education of Congolese youth, we are investing in a better future for the entire country.