The organization of the state exam 2024 edition in the Kwilu 1 educational province was marked by a 7% lower participation compared to the previous year, according to the observations of the chief provincial inspector, Jean-Pierre Kasonga . This drop in the participation of finalists, with a total of fifteen thousand two hundred candidates this year, is an alarming signal that deserves in-depth analysis.
Various factors have contributed to this reduction in the number of candidates present for these national secondary school end-of-school tests. Among these factors, the insecurity caused by incursions by Mobondo militiamen in the Bagata region proved to be a major disruptive element. The attacks by these armed groups have had devastating consequences, leading to the burning of villages, the displacement of populations and the disruption of school activities. Indeed, the climate of insecurity generated by these events had a direct impact on school attendance, thus depriving many students of a normal year of learning.
In addition to insecurity, other social and financial challenges also contributed to the decline in the participation rate of finalists in the state exam. The precarious living conditions and the lack of financial means of families have placed many parents in a difficult situation, sometimes preventing them from meeting the educational needs of their children. This reality highlights the importance of putting in place support and support measures for the most vulnerable families, in order to guarantee access to education for all children, regardless of their social or economic situation.
Faced with this alarming observation, it is imperative to act quickly and effectively to reverse this downward trend in the participation of finalists in the state exam. The provincial chief inspector Kwilu 1 therefore calls on the government to intensify its efforts to ensure the safety of the population and guarantee an environment conducive to education. Additionally, it is essential to encourage awareness among parents and communities about the importance of education, helping them overcome the financial and logistical obstacles that may stand in the way of sending children to school.
Ultimately, the issue of participation of finalists in the state examination in Kwilu 1 highlights the complex challenges facing the education system in this region. By identifying obstacles and proposing appropriate solutions, it is possible to re-establish a positive dynamic in favor of education, thus allowing each child to benefit from a fair chance of academic success and personal development.