Kasai: PAAF makes first payment of scholarships for girls in schools

The Girls’ Education and Empowerment Project (PAAF) confirmed on Friday, March 14, that the first installments of scholarships for girls in Kasaï Province are already being disbursed and are being paid directly to the schools identified by the NGO Initiatives for Integral Development (IDI). In a statement, Thierry Betu Kumesu Tshisungu, Deputy Coordinator of PAAF, confirmed the effective launch of the pilot phase of the girls’ scholarship program in the educational provinces of Kasai 1 and 2.

“In accordance with the briefing note from the Acting Secretary General of MINEDU NC regarding the launch of the PAAF project in the educational provinces of Kasai 1 and 2, I am pleased to announce the effective start of the implementation of the pilot phase of the Kasai Girls’ Scholarship Program for the subdivisions of Tshikapa 1, Tshikapa 2, and Kamwesha,” he announced.

According to the press release, the program will cover part of the school expenses, including tuition fees, report cards, and fees related to taking exams. This program aims to promote girls’ participation in education through the awarding of scholarships. Its pilot phase covers the sub-districts of Tshikapa 1, Tshikapa 2, and Kamwesha. It should be noted that, according to the activity report of the NGO IDI, 33,072 girls from 250 public secondary schools in the sub-districts of Kanzala, Kamuesha, Tshikapa 1, and Tshikapa 2 have been identified to receive scholarships. This project falls under the first pillar of the sectoral strategy for education and training, which aims to promote access to and equity in education for all Congolese children without distinction. Willy Kambulu