Official launch of TENASOSP 2025: Minister Raïssa Malu encourages girls to go into science and technology

The Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, Ms. Raïssa Malu, officially launched the National Test for Academic and Career Selection and Guidance (TENASOSP) on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Révérend Kim School, located on Avenue ex-24 Novembre in Kinshasa. In her address, the minister urged all candidates to approach this exam with confidence, honesty, and determination, emphasizing that it is a decisive step for their academic and professional futures.

 “Dear students, this test is not an end in itself, but a stepping stone to your future. Give it your all, because your success is our pride. The world is changing, and we need all kinds of talent to build our country,” she declared.

Ms. Raïssa Malu particularly encouraged girls to pursue scientific and technical fields, which are essential to national development.

 “I especially encourage our girls to dare to pursue science and technology. These fields are exciting and essential to our progress. The Congo needs more female engineers, researchers, and developers. Your potential is immense. Do not be afraid to explore these paths; they will open doors for you and help address the challenges facing our society,” she added.

Nearly 1.6 million students involved The minister noted that 1,590,471 students are taking this year’s TENASOSP exam across the country, 47% of whom are girls. She welcomed this progress, marked by a 2% increase compared to 2024, when there were 722,893 girls, versus 749,157 in 2025. She noted that since its inception in 2022, the TENASOSP has aimed to build a high-quality, equitable, and inclusive school system, contributing to children’s well-being and the sustainable development of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 “This test has a dual purpose: to assess students’ learning outcomes at the end of the basic education cycle and to guide each student toward the educational track that aligns with their aptitudes and the needs of our rapidly transforming economy. Educational guidance must no longer be left to chance but must be based on concrete data and real skills,” Ms. Malu stated.

For his part, the Provincial Minister of Education and New Citizenship of Kinshasa, Mr. Jeannot Canon Larose, noted that 190,253 students are taking the TENASOSP in the capital, including 99,408 girls and 90,845 boys, spread across 357 testing centers.

“This is a crucial step that marks the end of the final cycle of basic education and allows students to choose pathways better suited to their abilities,” he emphasized.

The TENASOSP is held annually in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to assess 8th-grade students and guide them toward the humanities or the short vocational track, based on their profile, skills, and preferences. Launched for the first time in 2022, it addresses the need to streamline the national education system to ensure a better alignment between education and the country’s needs. Célestin Zeula & Moïse Dianyishayi