Schooling for girls: "School must remain a place of inclusion, hope and recovery" (Jean-Jeff Mwanza)

While the recent circular from the Ministry of National Education prohibiting the expulsion of pregnant students continues to spark debate, Jean-Jeef Mwanza, Director and Head of the Ministry’s Communication Management Directorate (DGC-EDUNC), has stepped forward to clarify the intent of the measure. “Allowing a pregnant student to continue her studies does not mean encouraging teenage pregnancy. It is an act of justice and humanity, a second chance offered to a young girl to secure her future,” he stated. With this in mind, Jean-Jeef Mwanza emphasized the importance of maintaining the school as a safe and inclusive space. “No reason can justify the exclusion of a pregnant student if she wishes to continue her studies. School must remain a place of hope, even after a setback.” This reminder comes amid efforts to combat school dropout rates linked to early pregnancy, a phenomenon that severely jeopardizes the future of many teenage girls in the DRC. The government’s education policy emphasizes equal opportunity, inclusion, and non-discrimination. Willy Kambulu