Humanités Pédagogiques Rénovées: Mbanza-Ngungu workshop finalizes modules and course guides

As part of the phased implementation of the Reformed Pedagogical Humanities initiative, a national workshop is being held in Mbanza-Ngungu, in the province of Kongo Central, with the aim of finalizing training modules and internship guides for future teachers in basic education. Supported by the EFFICACE project backed by UNESCO, this initiative marks a key milestone in the professionalization of initial teacher training in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The workshop is coordinated by the Directorate of Initial and Continuing Training for Basic Education Teachers and Scholarship Management (DIFORE-BG). It brings together experts from the technical directorates of the Ministry of Education, academic institutions (UNIKIN, UPN, ISP-Gombe), and specialized research centers (CREM, CELTA). Together, they are pooling their expertise to develop coherent teaching tools that are adapted to Congolese realities and aligned with international educational standards. Upon completion of this work, 23 subjects, grouped into five major areas (languages; sciences; social studies and the environment; personal development and the arts; teaching and learning), will have revised content. These updated curricula aim to train a new generation of teachers with enhanced skills, who are committed and capable of meeting the educational challenges of the 21st century, with a focus on greater professionalization. According to Ms. Betty Matondo, coordinator of the Initial Training sub-component of the EFFICACE project, “this reform is a decisive step toward improving the quality of teacher training for the first six years of basic education in the DRC.” Cross-cutting themes such as gender, inclusion, environmental education, and digital literacy are fully integrated into the modules. They aim to equip future teachers with the key competencies necessary for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable teaching, in line with international quality standards. Through this transformative initiative, the Government of the DRC reaffirms its commitment to rebuilding a high-quality school system, reflecting the educational excellence that characterized the first decades following independence. Moïse Dianyishayi