In the heart of the Kwilu province, more precisely in the city of Kikwit, a shadow hangs over the start of classes for students. Indeed, the teachers, gathered in a general assembly on Saturday, October 26, 2024, decided not to start teaching. This decision comes from the inter-union of teachers in the region, which highlighted several demands not met by the Congolese authorities.
One of the main grievances concerns teachers’ salaries. Indeed, the Congolese state offered teachers a salary of $500, but ultimately only paid a supplementary salary of 100,000 FC, divided into tranches of 50,000 FC. This situation has sparked anger and disappointment within the teaching community, which denounces a lack of goodwill on the part of the central government. Benoît Kasiama, president of the Kikwit teachers’ inter-union, spoke on this issue in an interview. He called on teachers to remain united and aware of their social situation.
Despite discussions and assessments, teachers concluded that they could not suspend the strike until their demands were satisfactorily addressed. The lack of transparency and cooperation from the authorities has strengthened teachers’ determination to assert their rights. The suspension of classes is the most visible reflection of this, continuing the absence of teaching in Kikwit since the beginning of the school year.
This situation raises questions about the responsibility and commitment of the authorities towards the education sector. Teachers, pillars of the transmission of knowledge and the training of future generations, deserve decent remuneration and appropriate working conditions to carry out their mission with dedication and professionalism. It is crucial that dialogue and consultation are established quickly to find sustainable and equitable solutions, guaranteeing quality education for all children in Kikwit and the Kwilu province.
While waiting for concrete measures and actions from the authorities, all eyes remain on a peaceful and equitable resolution of this conflict, in the best interests of education and the future of students in the region. The voice of teachers should not remain inaudible, but on the contrary be heard and respected, to build together a promising and equitable educational future in Kikwit and beyond.