Félix Tshisekedi urges Raïssa Malu to ensure the viability of schools

The Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi, has called on the government, through the Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Raissa Malu, to make greater efforts to ensure the sustainability of schools throughout the country.

The President of the Republic issued this directive during the Cabinet meeting on Friday, September 20, 2024, assuring that this is to enable students to study in a better environment.

In his address, Félix Tshisekedi, who has been resolutely committed to the revitalization of education, instructed Minister Raïssa Malu to mobilize the services of designated school inspectors to ensure compliance with school operating standards.

“Reforms in this sector should be considered so as not to compromise the quality of basic education, which is the foundation of the Congolese citizen’s education. A system of ongoing monitoring of school viability must be established,” emphasized the President of the Republic, as quoted by the Minister of Communication and Media during the reading of the Council’s minutes.

Among the operational requirements for schools, the Head of State specifically mentioned classroom size, student numbers, and the provision of desks that allow students to sit comfortably and write effectively for optimal learning.

For President Tshisekedi, while free public primary education has certainly promoted mass enrollment of children, it must be accompanied by good learning conditions.

These instructions from the Head of State follow an unfortunate observation made on September 16, during his visit to schools in Kinshasa, a few days after the start of the 2024–2025 school year.

Ouriel Mangitukwa