Mongala 1: Teachers and inspectors of cutting and sewing and technical courses take up the reformed teaching tools

The training workshop for teachers of the dressmaking track and the technical programs undergoing reform concluded on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in Lisala, the capital of Mongala Province. Held at Monzoto High School, this six-day capacity-building session brought together 173 participants from approximately 100 schools in the Mongala 1 educational province.

Launched on Monday, March 2, 2026, by the provincial Minister of the Environment, Ir. Félix Mosaka, representing the provincial governor, this training enabled teachers and inspectors to familiarize themselves with several pedagogical tools related to the reform of technical programs. Highlights of the training included familiarization with the assessment framework for the technical programs undergoing reform, as well as the use of the sewing and dressmaking curriculum.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, the director of the Mongala 1 educational province, Jean-Claude Kilonga, emphasized that continuing education is an ongoing process in the improvement of the educational system. He urged participants to leverage the skills they acquired to improve the quality of technical education in various schools and to positively impact students’ academic performance on certification exams.

For her part, the Chief Provincial Inspector of Mongala 1, Ms. Françoise Mombo, noted that several modules were developed during the workshop. In the field of patternmaking and sewing, participants specifically addressed the connection between the various branches of the program, the distinction between guidelines and standards, the analysis of assessment scenarios in artistic design, pattern design, draping, and the fundamentals of patternmaking and sewing.

Discussions also focused on the competency-based approach (CBA), particularly its general principles, the interpretation and use of the competency framework, as well as assessment methods adapted to this pedagogical approach.

Representing the provincial governor at the closing ceremony, the provincial Minister of the Environment noted that the school remains, by its very nature, a center for training and transformation that must constantly embrace innovation. According to him, the Mongala 1 educational province must adapt to the new realities of a constantly changing world.

On behalf of the provincial authorities, he expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to the Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, and to the provincial governor. He also commended the efforts of the provincial education committee in organizing this event, as well as the trainers who came from Kinshasa to ensure the success of this initiative.

The minister also urged the trained teachers to, in turn, serve as liaisons with their colleagues who were unable to attend the session, in order to disseminate the knowledge gained throughout all schools in the province.

“The first steps have just been taken. It is now up to you to ensure the sustainability of these achievements for the well-being of our children and the entire educational province,” concluded the group of trainers from Kinshasa.

Marie Shomba