The educational provinces of Kinshasa-Plateau and Kinshasa-Tshangu, located east of the Congolese capital, were recently described as “seats of anti-values” by the Minister of Primary, Secondary and Technical Education, Tony Muaba Kazadi. During a meeting with the Heads of Schools of Kinshasa-Mont/Amba, the Minister underlined the persistent problems linked to corruption and mismanagement in these two provinces.
This declaration comes within the framework of the Ministry’s efforts to moralize and reform the Congolese education system in view of the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Tony Muaba Kazadi insisted that school principals have a key role to play in eradicating the anti-values that plague the education sector.
Among the anti-values cited by the Minister are non-compliance with official instructions, the collection of illicit fees, the increase in fees for certification tests, the consideration of students as customers and the misuse of funds allocated to the management of establishments school. Practices that compromise the quality of education and parents’ confidence in the education system.
The Minister also highlighted the role of provincial education officials in combating these anti-values. He urged them to reverse the trend and take concrete steps to clean up the education system in their respective provinces.
This frank and direct statement by the Minister illustrates his desire to put an end to corruption and mismanagement, as well as his determination to establish a quality education system in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is essential that the competent authorities take firm measures to fight against anti-values in the education sector and to restore the confidence of citizens in Congolese schools. Parents and students deserve a transparent, equitable and quality education system that offers them the best chance of success.
Reforming the education system in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is a daunting challenge, but with the political will and the commitment of the various actors, it is possible to bring about significant changes and guarantee a better future for Congolese youth.