Kinshasa: the book "Gratuité de l'enseignement, volonté politique ou respect de la constitution" was unveiled to the public on Saturday.

Journalist Oscar Bisimwa and Professor Wenceslas Chizungu have unveiled their book, published by Brinks International and titled "Free Education: Political Will or Respect for the Constitution."

This book traces the historical changes surrounding free primary education in the DRC, the origins and negative consequences of parents covering teachers’ costs, the establishment of free education since 2006 in the Constitution of February 18, and the trial-and-error approach that has characterized the efforts of various governments in implementing Article 43 of the Constitution, which stipulates that “primary education is free and compulsory.”

The book launch ceremony took place at the Fleuve Congo Hotel in Kinshasa on Saturday, December 17, 2022. It was presided over by the First Vice President of the Senate, Dr. Eddy Mundela, representing Senate President Modeste Bahati Lukwebo, who was unable to attend.

Summarizing the book, Professor Kambayi Bwatshia emphasized that "this book is a substantial contribution by the authors to fostering a positive perception, both nationally and internationally, of the impact of this major reform during the five-year term of President of the Republic Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi."

The book features a foreword by Senate President Professor Modeste Bahati Lukwebo.

To summarize its content, the authors analyze President Tshisekedi’s campaign promise—made when he was a presidential candidate—along with its implementation, benefits, and impact.

The authors also highlight some weaknesses in the implementation of this reform, illustrate some of the resulting challenges, and propose avenues for a rational implementation of free education that takes into account the quality of education and the improvement of teachers’ working conditions.

The book also outlines prospects for good governance in the primary and secondary education sector.

It should be noted that this free education policy has, to date, brought more than 5 million children back into school and eased the burden on parents.

As a reminder, this guidebook is the work of Professor Wenceslas Chizungu of UPN, a retired senior specialist from the World Bank, and journalist Oscar Bisimwa, publisher of the newspaper Congo Réformes, general director of CONGO 26 TV, and consultant on World Bank/DRC projects.

Deleine Diazolakana