National Education Day: Mongala 1 education staff take part in a mass for peace in the east of the country

Educators from the Mongala 1 educational province attended a Mass celebrated on April 30 to pray for peace, particularly for the people living in eastern DRC, who have been affected by conflict and violence. The celebrant, Father Richard Mbakala, emphasized the fundamental role of education in transforming lives. Education was presented as an essential process not only for acquiring skills but also for raising students’ awareness. Teachers were encouraged to develop critical thinking skills in students to prepare them to face social and political challenges. Françoise Mombo Banda, provincial chief inspector, emphasized that education is essential for peace and stability, considering it the foundation of national development. A call was made for education to play a role in promoting peace, not only within the DRC but also in fostering cohesion among nations. Previously, discussions took place in Lisala, bringing together various education stakeholders to reflect on the role of education in the quest for peace. This celebration and the activities that preceded it illustrate a collective and proactive approach by the Mongala education community to foster peace and promote education as a key lever in building a better future for the DRC. The mobilization of teachers around these themes helps raise awareness of the importance of education in society, particularly in conflict contexts. Moïse Dianyishayi