**Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Perspectives on Challenges and Prospects**
Education in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a major issue for the country’s development. Between the challenges to be met and the prospects to be considered, the education sector plays a crucial role in building a more just and prosperous society.
As part of her tour in the Kasai region, the Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship recently highlighted concrete problems encountered by schools in the region. From insufficient infrastructure to limited access to drinking water and the lack of adequate furniture, the challenges to be overcome are numerous and complex.
The example of the January 4 school in the commune of Diula, where children do not have access to toilets due to a lack of drinking water and where the lack of benches in the classroom directly impacts the quality of teaching, underlines the urgency of action to improve students’ learning conditions.
Faced with these alarming findings, the Minister demanded clarifications and responsible management of the resources allocated to schools. The involvement of experts from the Ministry of National Education is also essential to ensure the effective implementation of educational projects and to ensure careful monitoring of the actions undertaken.
In this context, the Mukaji wa Tshitembue Institute and the Higher Pedagogical Institute (ISP) of Mbuji-Mayi represent promising levers for action to strengthen the quality of education and train future teachers in the country. Investment in girls’ education through the Girls’ Learning and Empowerment Project (PAAF) is also a commendable initiative that contributes to equal opportunities and the empowerment of women.
At the end of the tour, the Minister praised the commitment of the students of the Saint-Pierre college in the commune of Kanshi, emphasizing the importance of education in building a better future for all.
Beyond the observations and specific actions, it is imperative to take into account the structural and systemic issues that determine the quality of education in the DRC. The mobilization of resources, teacher training, adaptation of study programs to the needs of the labor market and the promotion of inclusive education are all essential measures to build a solid and efficient education system.
In short, education remains a fundamental pillar of the socio-economic development of the DRC. By investing in education, by guaranteeing access for all to quality education, the country is equipping itself with the necessary tools to build a promising and prosperous future for future generations.