Journée internationale de la Francophonie: education at the heart of sustainable development

“I educate myself, therefore I act”—this is the theme chosen for this Thursday’s celebration of International Francophonie Day. This year’s theme, which highlights the link between education and action, aligns with the path set by the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in accordance with the vision of the Head of State, Felix Antoine Tshisekedi. Education at the Heart of the DRC’s Development Thanks to the reform establishing free education, the Head of State’s vision has provided a complete and free primary education for all Congolese children since 2019. This vision is expanded upon in the third pillar of the Sectoral Strategy for Education and Training (SSEF). This pillar aims to promote a more equitable education system that supports growth and employment. The Ministry of National Education’s Five-Year Plan (2024–2028) also emphasizes the absolute priority given to education for all children in the DRC, with a focus on development. Linguistic diversity in learning does not pose a threat to French During her recent media appearance on national television, the Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Raïssa Malu, indicated that she was considering the option of making education available in national languages.

“It is much easier to learn in a language you are fluent in, because when you go home, if the language spoken there is not the language of instruction, that already creates a barrier. Using national languages in education improves the quality of education,” she said.

However, the minister clarified that French will continue to be used, “because we value it.” According to her, national languages can be used in education for greater effectiveness, with the aim of promoting Congolese culture. “Language carries culture,” Raïssa Malu noted, before emphasizing that education cannot be conducted in national languages without first meeting the necessary prerequisites, so that the education system does not collapse. Willy Kambulu