Kinshasa - Mont Amba: Hubert Kimbonza invites inspectors to play their role to the full

As part of his tour of duty, Hubert Kimbonza Sefu, Inspector General of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), visited the Mont Amba educational province, following stops in Kinshasa, Plateau, and Tshangu. Addressing the inspectors of this district, gathered in the meeting room of Maman Diankeba High School in the commune of Limete, the chief inspector outlined the Ministry’s five-year plan and emphasized its values, while warning inspectors against engaging in the collection of illegal fees in schools.

"We have placed much greater emphasis on the principle of free public primary education. Every inspector, who serves as the eyes and ears of the Minister of State, must ensure that not a single school undermines or sabotages this principle of free education, which is the vision of the Head of State. If we learn that a school is asking for a single extra penny, it is the inspector who is not doing his job. Inspectors must visit schools every day to ensure that there are no lapses," said the Inspector General of EDU-NC.

Addressing issues related to innovations in Information and Communication Technologies, Hubert Kimbonza drew the inspectors’ attention to digitalization and the commitment they must demonstrate toward the digital transformation of national education.

"The inspector, who is himself a trainer of trainers, cannot lag behind the teachers he is going to train," he noted.

The head of the inspectors’ corps also emphasized dialogue with stakeholders, one of the five guiding principles of Minister of State Raïssa Malu. He noted that dialogue “breaks the ice” and ensures that all partners in the education sector share a common understanding of the different perspectives they may hold. He called on his colleagues to work not only with teachers, school principals, and students, but also with parents.

The Inspector General also addressed equity and inclusion. On this subject, he emphasized that in the exercise of their duties, inspectors must not show preference based on religious denomination, ethnic background, gender, physical appearance, or physical disability, because, he said, “the inspector is called to be at the heart of the community and to support everyone.”

At the end of his remarks, Hubert Kimbonza spoke about continuing education for teachers. He outlined everything the Head of State expects from the Ministry of Education and National Culture (EDU-NC), while noting that Minister of State Raïssa Malu is counting on the school inspectorate.

"We must do everything we can to ensure that the quality of our teachers and our education system continues to improve," he concluded.

Christian BELLA