Raïssa Malu pledges support for school inspectorate missions

Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), closed the annual meeting to evaluate the activities of the school inspectorate for the 2023–2024 academic year on Saturday, August 17. The ceremony took place in the conference room at the AYONGO tourist site in the municipality of N'sele.

“I am personally committed to supporting the General Inspectorate in its efforts to fulfill its noble missions, which will be essential to restoring the reputation of our education system and strengthening its credibility,” stated the Minister of State. 

Taking into account the recommendations from this forum, Raïssa Malu has made the new year a time to strengthen the missions of the school inspection system and consolidate free primary education in the country’s public schools. She therefore reminded the inspectors of the importance of integrity and rigor in carrying out their duties.

“Any deviation from these fundamental principles must be sanctioned, because the entire nation is counting on you to preserve the quality of education,” she noted.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Minister of State, Minister of EDU-NC, noted with great satisfaction that the set objectives had been achieved. She congratulated the participants on their commitment and professionalism.

“The strategic discussions and workshops you conducted from August 12 to 17, 2024, demonstrate your determination to strengthen the missions of oversight, training, and evaluation. Today, you return to your respective provinces armed with new perspectives and innovative strategies for the 2024–2025 school year,” stated Raïssa Malu. 

The Minister of Education and New Citizenship was particularly pleased to note that the discussions held during the meeting are fully aligned with the vision of the President of the Republic and Head of State, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, who places education at the heart of national development.

Several recommendations were made at the conclusion of this annual meeting. 

The government of the Republic is urged to honor its commitments regarding the administration, grading, and publication of certification exam results; to support inspectors and support staff by paying all bonuses along with a decent salary; to allocate a budget line for the continuing education of teachers; to lift the moratorium on administrative offices; to organize the 9th competitive examination for admission to the inspectorate corps for the provinces; to adhere to the spirit of the ordinance and decree regarding the national supervision of certification exams; to entrust the General Inspectorate with the printing of report cards and other academic credentials; to clarify the management of short-cycle programs between the Ministry of Education and National Education (EDU-NC) and the Ministry of Vocational Training, Arts, and Crafts. 

To the Inspector General: strengthen and enforce instructions regarding certification assessments; review the provinces’ ongoing reports and convey the resulting recommendations and considerations to the Provincial Chief Inspectors (PPI); evaluate the PPI at the end of each school year; establish an ad hoc committee for the monitoring and evaluation of recommendations at the national level; continue and intensify the training of educational staff. 

To the PIPs: ensure ongoing supervision of inspectors; implement and enforce the Minister of State’s instructions regarding disciplinary matters and certification assessments; submit reports in real time; and intensify training. 

Christian BELLA