The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently announced measures to grant special status to primary and secondary school teachers, offering them specific benefits. This initiative, unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau, will include a salary increase and bonuses to recognize the essential work of teachers.
In a country where education plays a crucial role in national development, it is essential to recognize the importance of teachers and ensure their well-being. With more than 700,000 teachers in practice, the DRC must improve the working conditions of these dedicated professionals who are shaping the future of the younger generations.
The increase in the budget allocated to teachers’ salaries, from 70 billion to more than 112 billion Congolese Francs, demonstrates the government’s efforts to support the education sector. Recent measures taken to support nursery and secondary school teachers, as well as the granting of end-of-career allowances and bonuses for free education, are in line with increased recognition of the crucial role of teachers in Congolese society.
However, despite these notable advances, challenges persist. The need to identify unpaid teachers, improve the management of the civil service file and ensure fair treatment for all remains a priority. The retirement program for nearly 70,000 eligible teachers aims to rejuvenate the education sector while providing better working conditions for the remaining teachers.
In short, the measures taken by the Congolese government to promote the teaching profession and improve the working conditions of education professionals are commendable. It is necessary to continue on this path by ensuring rigorous and transparent management, while implementing concrete actions to guarantee a better future for teachers and future generations in the DRC.