Minister of State Raïssa Malu kicks off the new school year in Tshikapa

Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), officially kicked off the 2024–2025 school year on Monday, September 2, at the Tshikunga Institute in the municipality of Dibumba 1, the capital of the Kasaï Administrative Province. This took place during a ceremony attended by provincial authorities, sub-sector officials, teachers, parents, and a large number of students.

"It is with pride and deep determination that we launch the 2024-2025 school year today. This day marks not only the start of a new school year, but also the launch of a bold transformation of our national education system. This transformation, in perfect harmony with the vision of the President of the Republic, Head of State, His Excellency Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, emphasizes access to quality education and inclusion," declared the head of the education sector.

Continuing her speech, Minister of State Raïssa Malu raised awareness among the students, reminding them that they are the future of an entire nation, the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"School, outside of the family, remains the place where you will develop your potential to become men and women who are useful to society, patriotic citizens who respect the common good and are committed to building a united, strong, and prosperous Congo at the heart of Africa and the world. I therefore encourage you to take your studies very seriously and to actively participate in school life. Dream and dream big, and work to make your dreams come true. Cultivate your curiosity and develop your critical thinking. Know, dear students, that your success is the sum of all the efforts you make every day. Do not let yourselves be distracted. The secret to your success is discipline, self-confidence, and individual and collective work," she said.

To the teachers, the head of EDU-NC reminded them of their responsibility toward the country and highlighted their patriotic spirit, in order to encourage them to remain steadfast in their daily work. 

"You are preparing the men and women who will shape the destiny of our nation—of all of us, including yourselves. I commend your dedication and your profound sense of sacrifice and patriotism, which you continue to demonstrate despite the difficult conditions in which you practice your profession," she said.

Raïssa Malu also promised educators improved socio-professional conditions, which, according to the sub-sector’s authority, are among the top priorities of the President of the Republic, Head of State, as well as the Prime Minister, Head of Government. She believes that, together with the Ministry of Public Service and the unions, they will work to enhance the status of the teaching profession, notably through a status that secures career stability and the implementation of a continuing education policy.

To parents, the Minister of State reiterated her clear ambition to guarantee equitable access to quality education for all. She therefore emphasized the need to restore schools to the heart of Congolese communities.

"Together, we will build a better future through open dialogue with all stakeholders in education, and with you in particular. We will continue to promote equity and inclusion so that every Congolese child, without exception, has the same chance to succeed," she noted.

Speaking before the head of the education sector, the Vice-Governor of Kasai, Bokele Djo Ley, thanked the Minister of State for choosing Tshikapa and emphasized his government’s commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of free primary education in the two educational provinces under his jurisdiction (Kasaï 1 in Tshikapa and Kasaï 2 in Mweka), which comprise 30 sub-divisions managing 256 preschools, 5,112 elementary schools, and 2,573 secondary schools, for a total of 1,749,031 students, including 656,742 girls.

The second-in-command of the Kasaï administrative province nevertheless emphasized that, beyond access and governance, the major challenge remains improving the quality of education, while stressing the fight against anti-values, particularly sexual violence in schools and nepotism.

Christian BELLA