Joint Government-Union Bench Commission: official start of work

The meeting of the Joint Commission between the Government and the National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC) Union began on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Village Vénus in Bibwa, in the municipality of N'sele. The event was attended by Minister of State and Minister of EDU-NC Raïssa Malu, her Deputy Minister Jean Pierre Kezamudru, and Deputy Minister of the Budget Elysée Bokumwana. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Service, Administrative Modernization, and Public Service Innovation, Jean-Pierre Lihau, opened the conference on behalf of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa.

Before Deputy Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Lihau spoke, the Minister of State and Minister of EDU-NC addressed the union members, who had come from various provinces across the country, calling on them to commit to and actively participate as essential partners of the ministry in order to achieve the set objectives.

“Your dedication to improving teachers’ working and living conditions is appreciated by the entire national community. Likewise, your commitment to contributing to our children’s education is undeniable. That is why, despite current challenges, the government has authorized this conference, emphasizing the importance of constant dialogue, which must unite us in all circumstances,” stated Raïssa Malu.

According to the Minister of State, the government, in accordance with the principles of partnership set forth in the framework law on national education, is committed to maintaining constant dialogue with teachers’ unions.

"We are attentive to your proposals for the proper functioning of our sector, which has the heavy responsibility of educating Congolese children—the future agents of national development and promoters of peace," she said.

Raïssa Malu also noted that this meeting offers an opportunity to take stock of past commitments, particularly those made last March in Bibwa, and to look toward the future by preparing for the 2024–2025 school year.

In his address, Deputy Prime Minister Jean Pierre Lihau invited both parties to analyze issues that prioritize the interests of teachers.

"I have noted that to better understand the sector’s main concerns, the following four topics may be analyzed by specific subcommittees before their adoption in plenary session, namely: securing teachers’ careers, special status, health, and the procedures for establishing school cafeterias and compensation," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Jean-Pierre Lihau also urged participants to approach the various analyses with dedication and patriotism and to seek potential solutions, with a view to paving the way for a peaceful start to the 2024–2025 school year. But also, to raise the quality of education, in line with the mission entrusted to the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship by the Head of State, Félix Tshisekedi.

"Yes, it is possible to make our national education system more competitive and attractive. It is possible to further promote the benefits of free education. It is possible to negotiate and discuss matters with respect and courtesy. It is possible, in a spirit of patriotic responsibility, to reach realistic agreements in a short time," he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the union members before the two government officials, the spokesperson for the teachers’ inter-union coalition, Godefroid Matondo, called on the Government of the Republic to honor its commitments in order to maintain social peace in the sector. He nevertheless commended the clear commitment of the Minister of State, Minister of EDU-NC, who, immediately upon taking office, secured funding for an additional teachers’ pay check for July 2024.

Christian BELLA