### The renewal of education in Ngiri-Ngiri: a reflection on the role of national service
On March 19, 2025, Lieutenant-General Jean-Pierre Kasongo Kabwik made a significant visit to the Ngiri-Ngiri Scientific and Technical Institute, where he presented 600 Pupitors to the educational teams of the establishment. Although this symbolic act may seem, at first glance, as a simple provision of furniture, it actually represents much more than a gesture of good heart in a distressing educational context.
#### Back to an educational crisis
The current situation of the school in Ngiri-Ngiri is an echo of deeper discomfort Lamarqué by the progressive abandonment of a formerly flourishing education system. The prefect pointed out that while around 10,000 students attended this school, this figure dropped to less than 2,000 students, simply because of the lack of furniture. This phenomenon raises a crucial question: why is the drop in attendance not only attributed to a lack of benches?
It is essential to approach this phenomenon in a broader context. Through Africa, several countries face similar challenges where school infrastructure is insufficient or in poor condition. According to studies by UNESCO, nearly 75 million children around the world are deprived of education, a reality which also finds its echo in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where conflicts and economic crises have exacerbated inequalities.
#### A long-term solution: beyond the benches
Although the contribution of 600 puppets is a significant gesture, the real question that must be asked is that of the sustainability of this initiative. The lieutenant-general promised that other benches would be provided in the coming weeks, while evoking the needs in tables and furniture for teaching staff. However, this raises a question on the establishment of a long -term plan to ensure a healthy and productive learning environment.
The long -term results of an investment in education are undeniable. According to a study by the World Bank, each additional year of education increases the future benefits of the individual, both in terms of income and citizen participation. It is therefore imperative that collateral efforts are made to not only bring students back to schools, but also to improve the quality of education.
#### Trust breaches
Students’ withdrawal is also symptomatic of an erosion of confidence in educational institutions. This phenomenon is not only a question of material resources, but also of perception. The fact that a student thanked President Félix Tshisekedi for his role in the revival of national service is an indication of the need for strong leadership and suitable programs that really meet the needs of the population. The most delicate part of this challenge is to restore a relationship of trust between the state and young people.
By taking into account the actual needs of students, actions must extend to the psychological and social aspect of education. The decrease in school workforce can also be partly linked to interpersonal conflicts, lack of motivation and the lack of secure spaces for young people.
#### Conclusion: a call for collective action
The donation of 600 puppets by national service constitutes a step in the right direction, but it should not be the end of this initiative. To really reverse the tendency to lower academic attendance, a common effort should be put in place, involving all education players – the State, parents of students, teachers and community organizations. Beyond the management of material resources, it is a paradigm shift in the way of thinking about education that is essential.
It is crucial to build a collective vision for the future of education in Ngiri-Ngiri and throughout the DRC. The issues go far beyond the delivery of school furniture; They relate to the construction of a conscious and educated society, ready to take up the challenges of tomorrow. Education must be perceived not only as a right, but as a fundamental lever for a promising future. While benches-pupares are given, the real question remains: how to transform this initiative into a movement that awakens and revitalizes education in the region? This is the challenge that will have to be met.