### Inauguration of a learning center in Kaimbe: a glimmer of hope for education and development in Sankuru
On May 15, 2025, the village of Kaimbe, located in the territory of Lodja in the province of Sankuru, saw the inauguration of a new learning center, called “Patrice Emery Lumumba”, carried by the “Jules Hiembe solution” foundation. This initiative, welcomed by local authorities and community members, raises relevant questions both on the potential impact of this establishment and on the role of youth in local development.
### A promising initiative
Jules Hiembe, president of the foundation, expressed his desire to bring a tangible change to the region, often qualified as landlocked and abandoned by public policies. In his inauguration speech, he highlighted the importance of education and the empowerment of young people, two elements considered to be crucial for the progress of any community. Through the motto “the other, it’s me”, Hiembe encourages a united and inclusive approach.
This inauguration comes at a time when the Democratic Republic of Congo faces significant challenges in terms of access to education. According to UNESCO’s latest statistics, nearly 3 million school children are not educated, a figure that highlights the urgent need for new educational infrastructure, especially in rural areas. Kaimbe’s project could thus help reduce this disparity, provided that it is well supported.
### A positive reaction from the community
The administrator of the Lodja territory, François Muledi, perceptively highlighted the importance of the commitment of young people in development initiatives. His declaration on the example given by Hiembe resonates with a collective ambition: that of bringing out local leaders capable of transforming their environment.
It is important to note that this approach is not isolated. Through the DRC, various organizations and groups of young people strive to initiate similar projects, ranging from the construction of schools to health programs. These efforts indicate an increasing desire for self-care within Congolese youth, although challenges such as lack of resources and persistent political instability often complicate their implementation.
### Limitations and challenges to overcome
Despite the hopes aroused by this inauguration, it is essential to approach the question with a critical perspective. The execution of an educational project is not limited to the simple construction of infrastructure. Stakes related to the quality of teaching, teacher training, and accessibility of educational programs will remain crucial for the sustainability of this center.
In addition, the local culture and the adaptation of curricula to the specific needs of the community are elements to consider. An approach that incorporates the socio-economic realities of Sankuru could strengthen the membership of young people and families to the project.
### A call for action
Jules Hiembe’s speech and François Muledi’s encouragement to other young people to get involved in local development are invitations to reflect on how everyone can contribute to a better future. It is essential that these initiatives are supported by a continuous dialogue between the community, local governments and NGOs, in order to guarantee suitable and sustainable approaches.
In addition, the solidarity mentioned by Hiembe could become a vector of change, not only for the Sankuru but also for other regions faced with similar challenges. Cooperation and exchange of experiences between regions, but also with other countries, could enrich local initiatives and promote integrated development.
### Conclusion
The learning center inaugurated in Kaimbe represents a radius of hope for a region looking for sustainable solutions. Based on the commitment and vision of young people like Jules Hiembe, it is possible to aspire to a future where education becomes an operational lever for economic and social development. This project recalls that, far beyond infrastructure, it is the collective desire to build together which will generate a real change in the life of the populations. The path remains strewn with pitfalls, but the first step here seems to have been courageously crossed.