In this month of September 2024, the province of Kongo-Central is shaken by an unprecedented strike movement led by public sector teachers’ unions. The decision not to resume classes was announced at a meeting in Matadi, the provincial capital, where teachers expressed their discontent with the deterioration of their working and living conditions.
Despite the teachers’ recognition of the government’s willingness to pay the free education bonus, as well as an amount of 50,000 Congolese francs to each, they have chosen to continue the strike until the primary demands are met. Indeed, the teachers are demanding a significant readjustment of their salaries, which should reach 1,500,000 CDF per teacher, for a total amount of 1,047,500,346,659 CDF in order to cover the entire province, or 698,121 teachers.
This strike, which began at the start of the 2024-2025 school year, highlights the difficulties faced by teachers in Kongo-Central. In addition to salary issues, they are also demanding improvements in their working conditions to ensure quality education for students in the province.
Beyond this local situation, this strike raises broader questions about the Congolese education system and the challenges it faces. Teachers, pillars of education, play a crucial role in building an enlightened and prosperous society. Their mobilization demonstrates their determination to assert their rights and defend the value of their work.
It is essential that the authorities take into account the legitimate demands of teachers and engage in constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions. Education is an essential pillar of a country’s development, and it is imperative to support and accompany those who are the main actors.
In conclusion, the Kongo-Central teachers’ strike highlights the challenges facing the education sector in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is time for the authorities to take concrete measures to support and value the work of teachers, who are the guarantors of the future of Congolese youth.