DRC - Preschool: first draft of the skills reference framework for pedagogical operators

The workshop to jointly draft the competency framework for early childhood educators in the Democratic Republic of the Congo concluded on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Kinshasa, in the meeting room of the National Teacher Training Service (SERNAFOR).

Initiated by SERNAFOR’s Early Childhood Education Section, with technical and financial support from UNESCO, the workshop took place from March 16 to 18 and aimed to develop a draft competency framework designed to improve the quality of supervision and training in early childhood education.

The session was facilitated by two experts, one national and one international, namely Chantal Ripoche and Joy Tunamau Kiese. It brought together representatives from several ministries, including those of National Education and New Citizenship, Social Affairs and National Solidarity, Higher and University Education, as well as Gender, Family, and Children, and the ministry responsible for persons with disabilities.

Over the course of three days, participants engaged in intensive discussions marked by exchanges of experiences and technical contributions. These efforts led to the production of the first draft of the framework, which was welcomed by the authorities present.

The UNESCO representative, for his part, commended this multisectoral initiative, noting that early childhood education is a key driver in the implementation of the country’s educational reforms.

From a technical standpoint, the support provided by the experts was crucial. Thanks to a rigorous methodological approach and the use of the UNESCO model, participants were able to structure their thinking and produce coherent content.

For Joséphine Mabala, Deputy Inspector General at SERNAFOR Maternel, Control Section, this workshop helped transform initial uncertainties into a challenge successfully met collectively. Despite the progress made, officials emphasized that the document produced represents a key step, but not the final one.

Michel Otto, Deputy Inspector General of SERNAFOR Maternel, suggested that the commitment and quality of the contributions made it possible to achieve the expected results, and that the framework developed is a promising foundation.

This document will still need to be enriched, consolidated, and validated by all stakeholders to meet quality requirements and ensure its alignment with national and international standards.

Magalie Mussa and Serge Kimbila