Mulekya Primary School located in the Sayo neighborhood of Beni, North Kivu province, recently concluded its first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year. Despite the many security challenges that impacted the resumption of classes, the students and teachers of this school have shown extraordinary determination to continue their educational journey.
At the heart of this small school community, 183 students, including 82 girls, recently reached an important milestone by completing their last exams of the term. For some of them, the path to school is fraught with obstacles, forcing some to walk up to 5 kilometers to access the school.
Despite the recent tragic events related to the attacks by ADF rebels, the school community of Mulekya School has remained united and determined. Some parents have had to move to neighboring neighborhoods in search of security, thus delaying the return to a certain stability.
Teachers at the school have also faced significant challenges, particularly in terms of paying their bonuses. The school’s principal, Valentin Paluku, emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue to ensure an environment conducive to the education of children. “The main challenge we have faced is the payment of bonuses for new unit teachers. If the government could take care of these teachers so that they are properly paid, we would no longer have difficulties,” he shared.
Despite these challenges, Mulekya School continues to operate, with students and teachers demonstrating exemplary dedication. Long distances, security risks and financial difficulties do not dampen the community’s determination to provide children with quality education.
Mulekya School embodies resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. In a context marked by instability and constant challenges, it remains a bastion of knowledge and hope for future generations.