PEQIP: World Bank support mission to accelerate project implementation

It was in an atmosphere firmly focused on action that the World Bank’s support mission—Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Country Office—kicked off on Monday, April 28, 2025, at the offices of the Primary Education Quality Improvement Project (PEQIP), . The objective: to take stock of the project’s implementation and define the strategies needed to accelerate its execution. From the early hours of the day, the PEQIP meeting room was filled with technical discussions, rigorous analyses, and thematic presentations. The mission, led by the PEQIP Project Officers at the World Bank–DRC, brings together a diverse group of stakeholders: representatives from the technical and support departments of the Ministry of National Education, as well as experts from the PEQIP coordination team. Together, they review each component of the project. On the agenda are discussions focusing, among other things, on (i) civil engineering works (construction/rehabilitation of classrooms, construction of latrines and water points), (ii) the procurement and distribution of textbooks, (iii) continuing professional development for school inspectors, principals, and teachers of 5th and 6th grade classes, (iv) the strategy for recruiting female teachers to promote professional equity, (v) the survey on teaching and learning practices, and (vi) learning assessment and gender-sensitive analysis. Each day is devoted to one or two specific components, allowing for a technical assessment and the rapid identification of bottlenecks as well as potential solutions. Discussions highlight notable progress in certain areas, while emphasizing the quality of implementation. Beyond pedagogical and infrastructural aspects, the mission also dedicates specific sessions to reviewing the results framework, financial management, procurement procedures, and compliance with social and environmental safeguards. This is to ensure that all PEQIP activities meet international standards for transparency, sustainability, and good governance. Toward Concrete Recommendations This mission will conclude on May 5, 2025. At that time, a memorandum will be finalized, summarizing the main observations and recommendations made during the week. This document will serve as a roadmap for the coming months to ensure that the PEQIP continues to make effective progress toward its objectives. A debriefing with the World Bank mission will formalize these working sessions, in a spirit of strengthened support. Célestin Zeula & Glodi Mboma