Launch of the Niveau+ program for an education adapted to each child

On Monday, October 27, the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship officially launched the Niveau+ program. The ceremony was presided over by Ernest Ntombi, Director of the Francophonie Division, representing the Ministry’s Secretary General.

“This program is part of the government’s vision to improve learning through Niveau+… It must be a collective commitment so that together we can make it a powerful lever for quality education and an attractive, more inclusive environment for children,” said Mr. Ntombi before launching the project.

A project supported by UNICEF and Street Child This initiative is supported by technical and financial partners, UNICEF and Street Child, with the goal of improving the quality of learning in the DRC, particularly for children affected by armed conflict. In an interview with the press, Jean-Claude Muhindo, Regional Director of Street Child UK, detailed the pedagogical approach that will be used throughout this program: Teaching at the Right Level (TARL). “Learning according to the child’s level”

“TARL involves assessing each child based on their actual level, rather than their age. This allows those who have fallen behind to catch up,” explained the regional director. Each student will undergo an assessment of their starting level. “The goal is that after six months, there will no longer be any visible difference between a privileged child and a vulnerable child,” he explained. “We are here to give every child the chance to learn at their true level,” added Mr. Muhindo.

The project is part of the European Union’s ongoing initiatives in South Kivu, Kinshasa, and Maïndombe, under the Lisanga project. A safer and more inclusive school The head of UNICEF’s education section, Francis Ndem, noted that his organization shares with the ministry and Street Child “this vision of a safer, more inclusive, and equitable school.” TARL: a simple but effective approach Teaching at the Right Level (TARL) is a method that adapts to each child’s actual level, rather than their age.

“The idea is simple: start from the student’s current level to help them progress quickly, reduce the gaps between privileged and vulnerable children, and ensure that no child is left behind, even in conflict-affected areas,” explained Mr. Muhindo.

Education does not stop in conflict zones

When asked about implementation in tense areas, such as North and South Kivu, the regional director emphasized: “Even in areas where some schools are under rebel control, we continue. Education cannot wait. The best interests of the child come first.”

Project duration According to him, the Niveau+ project is scheduled to last 24 months—or two years—and will continue until 2027. A Successful Pilot Phase with Lisanga The Lisanga project, which served as the pilot phase for the TARL approach, enabled many children and families affected by the conflict to return to school and regain their academic progress, noted David Biloko, head of the Lisanga project, during the ceremony. Moïse Dianyishayi