### A reform of school fees in the Democratic Republic of Congo: towards a more fair education?
The provincial governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have recently announced a regulation of the costs of participation in the certification tests for the 2024-2025 school year. This decision, carried out by the provincial ministries of national education and new citizenship, raises several questions around accessibility and equity in education, particularly in a country where provincial disparities are marked.
### Reformation executive
The costs instituted relate to three major components: the National Test of School and Professional Orientation (Tenasosp), the excluding session tests and the ordinary session of the state examination. The amounts, although fixed according to an official framework, vary significantly from one province to another, reflecting distinct economic realities. For example, Kinshasa displays relatively low costs, while provinces like Tshuapa have much higher prices.
This harmonization of costs aims to fight against abuse and to establish fair practices through the 26 provinces. However, this desire for standardization raises the question of its effectiveness in a context where the financial capacities of families differ widely, making certain costs potentially prohibitive.
### This special cases of the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu
One particularly hailed aspect of this reform is the total charge of costs in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. Renowned for their recurring security crises, these regions benefit from particular attention, stressing the central government’s desire to support the communities affected by dramatic upheavals. However, one can wonder about the sustainability of this care and the way in which it could evolve in the long term, while the security challenges persist.
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The publication of an test calendar highlights the intention of the authorities to organize the evaluations in a fluid and predictable manner. However, the question remains: to what extent are families ready to assume these revised costs in the current socio-economic context, where many of them still fight to access basic resources?
### Accessibility challenges
One of the major challenges of this reform is accessibility to education for all children, regardless of their geographical or socio-economic situation. For low -income families, these costs can represent a significant barrier, limiting their ability to allow their children to take these crucial exams for their future.
The free end of primary studies (ENAFEP) national examination shows a desire to support primary education. However, a more in -depth reflection on how to make school fees more accessible and fair higher levels could strengthen membership in these measures.
#### Questions for the future
Faced with this complex reality, several questions arise:
– How can the government ensure a balance between fair costs and the viability of school institutions?
– What measures can be implemented to help the most vulnerable families to face the new financial obligations?
– How to guarantee that this reform is not only a punctual measure but a step towards a truly inclusive education system?
The reform of examination costs in the DRC is at the crossroads. By observing it closely, we can hope that this initiative is the starting point for a broader reflection on the financing and accessibility of education, a crucial issue for the country’s sustainable development.
Through an open and constructive dialogue, the authorities, parents and education players can work together in innovative solutions, so that each child has the same chances of academic success, regardless of their province of origin. This will require continuous efforts and attentive listening to the needs of communities, with a marked commitment to just and equitable education.