PDL 145 Territoires: 354 of 694 elementary school already delivered

The Fragile States Financing Implementation Unit (CFEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) delivered, on behalf of the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship, at the end of October 2024,  354 primary schools in 16 provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) where these two organizations are carrying out their work. This information was disclosed during two information sessions organized by the Ministry of Planning and Coordination of Development Aid, which took place on October 22–23, 2024, for national deputies from the provinces concerned. The provinces concerned include, among others, Kongo-Central, Kwango, Kwilu, Maï-Ndombe, Équateur, South Ubangi, and North Ubangi. Alain Lungungu, the national coordinator of the CFEF, presented a detailed report on the physical and financial progress of the projects. With a physical completion rate of nearly 80% and over 50% of the works delivered. The UNDP also reports an 83% completion rate in the provinces of Mongala, Tshuapa, Kasaï, Sankuru, Tshopo, Bas-Uele, Maniema, Tanganyika, and South Kivu. Several challenges were identified to improve collaboration and ensure the completion of the first phase of the work before the launch of the second phase. This initiative is part of a broader program aimed at improving access to education in often-neglected areas. The members of parliament present at the meeting expressed their satisfaction with the progress made, while emphasizing the importance of continuing efforts to ensure quality education for all children. The delivery of these primary schools represents not only progress in infrastructure but also a sign of hope for families who aspire to offer a better future to their children. It should be noted that the newly built classrooms expand and improve Congolese children’s access to formal education, thanks to the free public primary education program implemented by the Head of State since 2019. Célestin Zeula