In the locality of Tshofa, located in the Lubao territory in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a worrying situation is worrying the educational community of the Yamukukile primary school. The director of this establishment, Jean Kalombo, expressed his dismay at the sudden halt of the reconstruction work of the school, just one month before the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
For almost a year, the buildings of the Yamukukile primary school have been demolished by the company promoting the reconstruction project as part of the local development program of the 145 Territories. Unfortunately, to date, only the foundation has been completed, and since the suspension of work in September 2023, no significant progress has been recorded. This situation forced more than 500 students of the school to study in precarious conditions during the previous school year.
Jean Kalombo bitterly points out that students had to attend classes under trees last year, before being moved to another school to study in the afternoon. Faced with this worrying context, the director fears that this situation will continue and once again compromise the upcoming school year, in just four weeks.
Calling for help, Jean Kalombo asks the Central Coordination Office (BCECO) to intervene quickly to complete the reconstruction of the demolished buildings and thus ensure the smooth running of school activities. However, the local branch head of BCECO/Lomami claims not to have been informed of this regrettable situation, while promising to open an investigation with the company in charge of the construction site to obtain more information.
It is crucial to emphasize that the education of children is an essential pillar of any harmonious and sustainable development. Yamukukile Primary School plays a central role in training young minds and building a better future for the community. It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders actively engage to ensure that students have an adequate and secure learning environment. Education is an inalienable fundamental right, and it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure its full realization. That concrete and prompt solutions be found so that the students of Yamukukile Primary School can return to school with peace of mind and continue their intellectual and social development.