Mbuji-Mayi: operational launch of PEQIP, a strategic project to improve the quality of primary education

The acting governor of Kasaï Oriental, Augustin Kayembe, officially launched the Project for the Improvement of Primary Education Quality (PEQIP) on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. The ceremony took place in the Professor Tshiam Hall in Mbuji-Mayi. In his remarks, the acting governor emphasized that this project aims to tangibly improve the quality of education in public primary schools.

“Our children’s future will not be built on words, but on collective action,” he stressed.

Representing the Acting Secretary General of National Education and New Citizenship, the Director of the National Directorate for the Construction, Maintenance, Rehabilitation, and Management of School Infrastructure (DINAC), Mr. Élois Kumbo, emphasized the need to end a multi-tiered school system.

“The PEQIP is a concrete initiative to address inequalities, equip teachers, and provide students with a dignified learning environment,” he stated.

A Provincial Commitment Fulfilled Aware of the logistical and human challenges associated with implementing the PEQIP, the provincial government expressed its readiness to fully fulfill its role.

“We will be available, rigorous, and committed to ensuring the success of the PEQIP in our province,” concluded Governor Augustin Kayembe.

The Numbers Speak for Themselves The planned actions reflect the ambition of the Primary Education Quality Improvement Project (PEQIP): 420 new classrooms to be built to accommodate more than 21,000 students; WASH infrastructure (separate latrines and handwashing stations for girls and boys) to be installed for the benefit of more than 85,000 children; nearly 5.3 million textbooks (French, mathematics, science) to be distributed free of charge to 5th and 6th graders in all public primary schools across the country; more than 37,000 teachers and 14,300 school principals to be trained. Beyond these figures, this operational phase is distinguished by its participatory approach. From July 9 to 13, thematic workshops will bring together central and provincial teams to adapt the project’s broad outlines to local realities.

“This launch helps strengthen coordination between the central and provincial levels, and above all, involves the key stakeholders on the ground,” explains Ms. Wali Belade, PEQIP coordinator.

Funded to the tune of $69 million by the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), with technical support from the World Bank, this four-year project (2024–2028) aims to make public primary education more equitable, inclusive, and of higher quality. PEQIP is being implemented in five administrative provinces: Ituri, Kasai, Kasai Oriental, Kasai Central, and South Kivu, with the goal of improving the quality of primary education through concrete and sustainable actions. Ouriel Mangitukwa