ENAFEP 2023: EPST notes increase in girls' participation rate to nearly 1%.

The Ministry of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST) notes an increase of nearly 1% in the participation rate of girls in the 2022–2023 National Primary School Completion Exam (ENAFEP). A total of 1,020,448 girls took the ENAFEP out of a total of 2,119,100 candidates who sat for the exam this year, representing a 48.1% participation rate nationwide, compared to 47.6% last year. Last year, there were 958,649 girls out of 2,011,188 candidates. The 2023 edition thus saw a significant increase in the proportion of girls. This increase, made possible by the Girls’ Education subprogram included in the Sectoral Strategy for Education and Training (SSEF 2016–2025), was observed in several educational provinces, notably Kananga, which had 29,233 girls, South Kivu 1 with 46,264 girls, and Haut Katanga with 52%. It should be noted that increasing the number of girls in schools is one of the objectives outlined in the Sectoral Strategy for Education and Training (SSEF 2016-2025), a document spearheaded by Minister Tony Mwaba Kazadi. This document outlines various reforms in the DRC’s education sector. It has been in effect since January 21, 2016. The first pillar of the SSEF focuses on increasing access, equity, and retention. The resulting increase in girls’ enrollment will help eliminate stereotypes that act as barriers to girls’ education. Laurette ODIA, Academic Intern