National Education Day: Sober celebration and pious thought for zones under occupation

According to an official statement from Secretary-General Matthieu Mukenge Bakina, based on a directive from Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, the celebration of National Education Day, scheduled for April 30, 2025, will take on a more subdued format. The statement emphasizes that, unlike the usual large-scale festivities, a message will be addressed to stakeholders in the education sector. This decision is based on two main reasons: first, the concerning security situation in the eastern part of the country, and second, the significant number of students deprived of their right to education due to ongoing conflicts. Schools are encouraged to organize, according to their means and infrastructure, cultural activities as well as informal discussions. These initiatives should be carried out modestly, taking into account the difficult conditions faced by students attending school in war-affected areas. The goal is to preserve the spirit of National Education Day while acknowledging the challenges faced by a segment of the national education community. This approach seeks to highlight the importance of education in a national context marked by security and humanitarian challenges. By promoting reflection and raising awareness, the Ministry of National Education intends to express its support for students and communities affected by the conflict, while continuing to make the celebration of education a meaningful event on a national scale. Thus, National Education Day 2025 presents an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment to education, while acknowledging the country’s complex realities and encouraging collective reflection on those whose right to education is threatened. Rigobert Mukendi