In the field of education in the Democratic Republic of Congo, an event of capital importance took place on Monday, May 6: the essay test in which the finalist secondary school students took part. However, a notable observation was made this year with a 3.38% decrease in the number of students participating compared to the previous year. Indeed, compared to the 2023 edition which recorded the participation of 985,497 students, this year only 952,334 students showed up, a difference of 33,163.
According to Boniface Beya Nyindu, deputy general inspector for primary, secondary and technical education (EPST), and advisor to the minister on evaluation, this drop in the participation rate is partly due to the low mobilization of students. from eastern DRC for these events. He stressed that these students face situations of insecurity, often reside in displaced persons camps and present a state of frustration and discouragement.
Furthermore, Boniface Beya Nyindu welcomed the initiative of the Congolese government which decided to cover the costs of participation in these tests for students from this region. However, he pointed out that this measure was implemented late, thus limiting the possibility for a larger number of students to register within the allotted time frame.
The essay test was held in a total of 2959 centers, with an average of 322 candidates per center. Note that 13 of these centers were established outside national borders.
It should be remembered that these tests are intended to assess the knowledge and skills acquired by learners from preschool to the end of secondary school, as highlighted by Tony Mwaba, national minister of EPST, during of the official launch of these events in Kinshasa.
While the situation of students in eastern DRC remains worrying, it is imperative to take additional initiatives to guarantee optimal participation in such crucial tests for the country’s education system. By highlighting the challenges these students face, it becomes essential to adapt educational policies to ensure better inclusion and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their place of residence.