Tangu Hapo 1 and 2 Primary School in Lubumbashi, in the Haut Katanga region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, is about to celebrate a major event: its centenary. Founded in 1924 by Reverend Sister Gabrielle Buysen and led by Sister Delphine, this Catholic institution has played a vital role in the education of children in the region. Today, as the school prepares to commemorate its first century of existence, it is important to reflect on its glorious past and consider its future.
The festivities planned to mark this anniversary promise to be rich and varied. Former and new students of the school will gather to pay tribute to the founders and the many people who have contributed to making it a privileged place of learning. A visit to the Sapin 1 cemetery in Lubumbashi, where Sister Gabrielle Buysen rests, as well as to the Kasenga cemetery, will be an opportunity to remember the past and to value the legacy left by these exceptional women.
Beyond the celebrations, this commemoration invites us to reflect on the role of primary education in contemporary society. How will the Tangu Hapo primary school evolve over the coming decades? How can we prepare today’s students to meet the challenges of tomorrow? These questions, essential for the future of the institution, will be at the heart of the debates and reflections raised by this anniversary.
Finally, a mass presided over by Mgr Fulgence Muteba, Metropolitan Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Lubumbashi, will bring these festivities to a beautiful close. Beyond its religious dimension, this ceremony will highlight the importance of faith and spirituality in the educational journey of students at Tangu Hapo Primary School.
In short, the centenary of Tangu Hapo Primary School 1 and 2 is an opportunity not only to celebrate the past, but also to look to the future. By highlighting the legacy of its founders and considering future challenges, this commemoration is part of a perspective of educational excellence and the transmission of essential values to Congolese youth.