Back to school in Kisangani: a new chapter opens for public schools
Monday, September 16 marks a major turning point in the educational landscape of Kisangani, with the resumption of classes in several public primary and secondary schools in the city. After two weeks of teachers’ strike, students can finally return to school and resume their daily routine.
At the heart of this strike movement are legitimate demands from teachers who are demanding better recognition of their work and decent living conditions. Their anger is particularly rooted in the Government’s failure to respect its commitments, particularly in terms of salary increases.
The Bibwa negotiations in Kinshasa, bringing together teachers’ union delegates and government representatives, helped to unblock the situation and reach an agreement. This is how the teachers decided to end their strike and resume classes in Kisangani schools.
Despite this resumption, schools such as Anoalite Primary School remain closed, demonstrating the work that remains to be done to resolve the persistent problems encountered by the teaching profession.
The inter-union continues to remind the Government of the importance of respecting all of its outstanding commitments. This turnaround marks both a victory for teachers and the beginning of a new stage in the relationship between the teaching profession and the authorities.
It is essential to recognize the crucial role of teachers in society and to respond to their legitimate demands to guarantee a quality education system and decent working conditions.
The start of the school year in Kisangani is not just about the resumption of classes, but also about the opening of a renewed dialogue between education stakeholders. It is in this dynamic of cooperation and mutual respect that the foundations of a solid and sustainable education for generations to come will be built. May this new chapter be one of fulfillment and success for all those involved in education in Kisangani.