### A Step Towards the Future: Investments in Education in N’sélé
This October 2023, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) officially reopened new school buildings in the educational subdivisions of N’sélé, in Kinshasa. This project, entitled “Improving Access and Quality of Primary Education”, has a budget of 7.2 million US dollars, a significant portion of which comes from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koïca) and UNICEF. The inauguration of these infrastructures by Raïssa Malu, Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, marks an important step in improving access to education in this region.
#### An Urgent Need to Meet
With nearly 11,404 students initially seeking access to basic education in the district, more than half of whom are girls, the need for adequate school infrastructure is crucial. Indeed, studies have shown that a quality educational environment has a significant impact on academic results, reinforcing the importance of investing in modern facilities. In a country where the literacy rate remains worrying, access to well-equipped schools could also alleviate the economic and social disparities that mark the Congolese education system.
#### Towards a More Inclusive Education
The emphasis on girls’ education in this project is also noteworthy. Mariame Sylla, UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, stressed that each student must benefit from a conducive learning environment. This perspective is crucial in a context where girls’ education represents a key vector for the socio-economic development of the DRC. The benefits of such an approach are not limited to the personal development of young girls; they also lead to multiplier benefits for their families and society as a whole.
Statistics show that educating girls helps reduce poverty and improve the health and well-being of communities. Educated girls tend to have fewer children, take better care of their reproductive health, and participate actively in the economy. Thus, improving access to primary education in N’sélé does not simply contribute to increasing the school enrollment rate; it could eventually transform the economic and social structure of the region.
#### A Partnership Model
The N’sélé initiative is distinguished by the collaboration between the Congolese State, UNICEF and Koïca, a partnership model that could be beneficial for other similar projects in the DRC. This type of synergy not only brings together financial resources, but also varied expertise. Choie Yeon-Jae, Koïca Country Director, stressed the importance of strengthening not only access to education, but also its quality.
In this regard, the experience of countries that have successfully modernized their education systems, such as Rwanda, can serve as a reference. After the 1994 genocide, Rwanda invested heavily in education and made significant progress in terms of quality and access, while integrating education programs targeting young girls. These examples demonstrate that change is possible through sustained and well-structured commitments.
#### Costs and Benefits: A Wise Investment
The cost of $7.2 million is a significant sum, but when evaluating the long-term benefits, this investment could prove to be a real boon for the DRC and its young generations. Compared to other less productive government expenditures, education should be placed at the heart of national priorities. By improving school infrastructure, providing educational supplies, and ensuring inclusive access, the Congolese government is paving the way for a more skilled workforce in the future.
#### Conclusion
The inauguration of school infrastructure in N’sélé, while a step forward, is only a first step in a long journey toward reforming and improving the education system in the DRC. As the country continues to face various challenges, the commitment of local and international actors to quality education is essential. Building modern schools to accommodate students is a fruitful investment that can help transform Congolese society in the long term. By joining forces and mobilizing our resources, we can shape a better future for future generations in the DRC.