DRC: Relaxation ends, pupils return to school

Students in the Democratic Republic of the Congo returned to school on Monday, April 21, following a six-day break in the second semester that coincided with Easter, in accordance with the revised school calendar for the 2024–2025 academic year issued by the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship.

Several officials from the educational provinces have confirmed since Monday that classes have effectively resumed in all schools, including accredited private institutions. This includes the educational province of Haut-Katanga 1, represented by Provincial Director Joseph Mwinkeu. Contrary to a document circulating on social media attributed to the Catholic Church, suggesting a postponement of the resumption due to Easter Monday, the provincial director confirmed that school activities have indeed resumed.

“Classes have resumed everywhere; the report has been compiled and submitted to the secretary general, supported by photographic evidence. This story about the bishop’s letter was not taken into account, because religious leaders here already know that Easter Monday applies to church personnel and not to schools,” he stated.

In the Kasaï 1 educational province, Proved Virginie Alembe reported a massive turnout of students and educational staff this Monday.

“I was out in the field yesterday, Monday; classes had indeed resumed. I even have the photos—the students were present, and the staff and workers were at their posts,” she affirmed.

The same was true in Kongo-Central 1, according to Proved Marie Boroto. She also mentioned that she had been in contact with Catholic Church coordinators, who acknowledged that in the absence of a circular from the ministry, there was no reason to delay the resumption of classes. It should be noted that the second-quarter break took place from Wednesday, April 7, to Saturday, April 14, in accordance with the revised school calendar. After classes resume, students will have two weeks of classes before moving on to the scheduled assessments from Wednesday, May 7, to Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Results for this second term are scheduled to be communicated to parents on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Willy Kambulu