Back to school 2025-2026: A year of civic values, resilience and collective commitment

The Minister of State, Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, officially launched the 2025–2026 school year on Monday, September 1, in the coastal town of Moanda, in Kongo Central Province. This event, held at the Muanda-Ville Saint Louis Elementary School, marks the beginning of a pivotal school year, focused on continuing the reforms already underway, such as free primary education, improving educational quality, promoting equal opportunities, and integrating technology for inclusive and stimulating learning. During her speech, Minister Raïssa Malu emphasized the importance of fostering responsible and engaged citizens. To this end, she announced the creation of school clubs as well as the adoption of the Citizen’s Oath in schools. She concluded by calling for unity, collective commitment, and resilience to build, together, a better future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This year, more than 29 million students, including those in areas under occupation, have returned to school. Marie Shomba