**Buying school supplies: the dilemma of Congolese families as the new school year approaches**
As the new school year approaches in Mbuji-Mayi, in the heart of Kasai Oriental in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the situation is bitter for many sellers of school supplies. A gloomy atmosphere reigns over the markets, where sales are rare and the stalls remain desperately uncrowded.
Asked about this situation, Ms. Sophie Milambu, a seller of notebooks and uniform fabrics, laments the shyness of buyers. Since the beginning of the month, customers have been few and far between and commercial activity is struggling to take off. The unstable economic situation in the country seems to play a major role in this consumer reluctance. Between civil servants looking to save money and agents with uncertain incomes, Congolese families are facing financial difficulties that directly impact their spending.
Tailors, also affected by this situation, are seeing the same phenomenon. Parents prefer to wait until the last days before the start of the school year to make their purchases, in the hope of finding more attractive offers. However, this strategy can be risky, as prices could skyrocket as the start of the school year approaches, leaving families in an even more difficult financial situation.
Giresse Kabengele, a tailor at the market, therefore calls on parents to be responsible. He urges them to anticipate their purchases and to be forward-thinking. Getting into debt now to buy school supplies may seem restrictive, but it will avoid more significant expenses as the start of the school year approaches. Prevention is better than cure, they say, and in the current context, this popular wisdom makes perfect sense.
The message is clear: it is time for Congolese families to make informed decisions and show pragmatism. The start of the school year is a crucial time for children, and ensuring their access to education also requires the availability of the necessary supplies. By showing responsibility now, parents can offer their children a better future, despite the economic and social challenges that lie ahead.