School calendar: Science and Technology Week institutionalized for a new generation focused on technical know-how

Science and Technology Week has reached a major milestone with its official inclusion in the national school calendar.

 The announcement was made by Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya Katembwe during the Cabinet meeting on Friday, April 10, 2026.

“This event, which has been held since 2014, is now part of the official school calendar, giving it an institutional and foundational role for the entire national education system,” stated the Minister of Communication and Media.

Under the theme “At the Heart of Technical Skills,” the 13th edition, scheduled for April 13–18, 2026, in Kinshasa, aims to mark a turning point in how science is taught and promoted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to the minutes of this executive meeting, “this theme aims to bring schools closer to practical application by emphasizing know-how, technical mastery, and learning through experimentation.”

The government also emphasizes the need to revitalize scientific, technical, and vocational fields, which have long been marginalized.

“The goal is to inspire vocations among young people, particularly girls, and to strengthen the bridges between education, research, innovation, and the world of work,” continued Mr. Patrick Muyaya.

Beyond its educational aspect, this initiative is part of a broader strategic vision.

The goal is to guide students toward sectors that are key to the national economy, as the country seeks to accelerate its structural transformation.

“This edition is part of a strategy to develop skills and guide students toward sectors with high potential for the national economy,” he noted.

The Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, Raïssa Malu, who presented the initiative to the Council, outlined the schedule of planned activities and called for broader government mobilization.

On this subject, the government spokesperson reported that “the minister has requested the involvement of the relevant sectoral ministries, directly or indirectly, to ensure the full success of this celebration and to concretely demonstrate the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s commitment to science and technology.”

With this institutionalization, Science and Technology Week is now established as a strategic lever of Congolese education policy, dedicated to training a new generation focused on innovation and technical expertise.

Moïse Dianyishayi