At a meeting with IG Hubert Kimbonza, education experts stress the importance of a skills repository for pre-school teachers.

Hubert Kimbonza, Inspector General of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), met on Monday, March 9, 2026, with a delegation of education experts led by Michel Otto, Deputy Inspector General in charge of the National Training Service (SERNAFOR) for early childhood education in the DRC. The objective was to present to him the scope of activities being implemented as part of the action plan jointly developed by the Regional Teachers’ Initiative in Africa (RTIA) and the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship.
Composed
of an international expert, a national expert, and a representative of the “RTIA Facility,” this delegation explained to the head of the inspectorate that it is tasked with conducting an assessment of early childhood education and developing a competency framework for early childhood teachers—an initiative addressing a need expressed within the EDU-NC sub-sector.
According
to these experts, the competency framework for preschool teachers is essential for professionalizing the field, harmonizing teaching practices, and ensuring the quality of education from an early age. It structures training, helps assess children’s needs, and strengthens professional development. With this in mind, a workshop will be held in Kinshasa from March 16 to 18, 2026, at SERNAFOR.

The Inspector General, aware of the importance of early childhood education, expressed great satisfaction with the arrival of the experts. He articulated his guidelines with clarity and pragmatism, specifically asking the team to produce high-quality, comprehensive, and thorough work. He strongly emphasizes the quality of education starting in preschool, in line with the wishes of Minister of State Raïssa Malu.
Ambition
and Funding

Supported by the European Union, Belgium, France, and Finland since 2024, with implementation extending through 2030, the "RTIA Facility" aims to address the shortage of qualified teachers in sub-Saharan Africa. This €100 million program supports governance, training, and professional development for teachers. It also mobilizes experts to carry out educational reforms.
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‎Christian BELLA