Raïssa Malu, Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, took part on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in a workshop focused on outlining and presenting the methodology for diagnostic studies on Open and Distance Learning (ODL) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This event, taking place in Kinshasa, will run through August 29, under the auspices of the Ministry of Higher and University Education (ESU), in collaboration with UNESCO.
The workshop aims to develop a roadmap for activities leading to the implementation of the National Strategy for Open and Distance Learning (ODL).
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the Secretary General for Scientific Research, representatives from UNESCO and Space, as well as several heads of higher education institutions.
At the heart of the discussions, the need to develop a distance learning system tailored to the specificities of the DRC was widely emphasized.
Mr. Thierry Abankwi, Director and Head of the EOD Department at the ESU’s central administration, stated that “
open and distance education is now establishing itself as a mode of teaching and learning,” while thanking technical partners such as UNESCO, Huawei, and the Vodacom Foundation for their support.
For his part, Dr. Isaias Barreto da Rosa, UNESCO representative in the DRC, presented higher education as an essential lever for sustainable development and innovation. He highlighted the challenges to be addressed, particularly access to education for young people living in rural areas.
Open and distance learning thus emerges as a proactive response to the obstacles faced by students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Barreto emphasized that “ODL is the key to enabling Congolese youth to access knowledge” and to overcoming inequalities.
The situation is particularly concerning for young people in rural and outlying areas, whose ambitions are often hindered by the lack of accessible universities and transportation difficulties. In this context, ODL presents itself as a strategic solution.
This innovative model aims to bring the university closer to every student, regardless of where they live, while creating flexible, inclusive learning environments adapted to technological advancements.
This workshop marks an important step in the process of developing a national ODL strategy, which began during an initial workshop held in February and March 2024. The ongoing work involves conducting a rigorous assessment of the current situation, analyzing existing regulatory frameworks, and identifying capacity-building needs.
In her closing remarks, Minister of Higher Education Marie-Thérèse Sombo emphasized the urgency of moving from theory to action.
She stated:
“The time for talk is over; now is the time for action. Today, the train carrying EOD is already on the move.” She called for a general mobilization of educational stakeholders to make EOD a credible alternative.
This initiative could transform education in the DRC, opening new opportunities for thousands of young Congolese. Much more than just a concept, ODE is now emerging as a strategic priority for the government, with the ambition of ensuring equitable access to education and meeting the needs of a constantly evolving world.
The conclusions of this workshop should guide the next steps in the implementation of Open and Distance Learning in the DRC by establishing a coherent and effective regulatory framework.
Marie Shomba
