On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the Project for Equity and Strengthening of the Education System (PERSE) held an awareness-raising session focused on reforms aimed at consolidating free public primary education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The goal was to encourage participants to become committed and informed advocates for these reforms, which are essential for the future of the national education system.
According to PERSE officials, the measures implemented have enabled millions of children to return to school, while improving safety and supervision in schools. Among the reforms presented:
- the automation of the Education Management Information System (e-SIGE) – In progress,
- the automation of the teacher payroll system – In progress,
- the implementation of the Mechanism for Rationalizing the Process of Creating Schools and Administrative Offices (MRPCEB) – In progress,
- the equitable allocation of operating costs for public elementary schools – Completed,
- transparent and merit-based recruitment of primary school teachers and principals – Completed,
- the operationalization of the Complaints Management Mechanism (MGP) within the Ministry – Completed.
These advances demonstrate the commitment of the Government and its partners to sustainably improve school governance and ensure the long-term viability of free education.
However, the PERSE highlighted several persistent challenges:
- low adoption of the CM at all levels of the system;
- insufficient material, financial, and human resources;
- the need for rigorous enforcement of the Code of Conduct in schools.
Tshangu, an example of ownership
In the Kinshasa-Tshangu educational province, the results are particularly encouraging. Present at the event, Proved Tshabu Liberata praised the impact of the reforms in her jurisdiction.
“During my field visits, I monitor the various subdivisions to ensure compliance with instructions, particularly regarding free primary education, which has been a success in my province,” she said, emphasizing that vigilance on the ground ensures compliance with standards and the enforcement of sanctions for non-compliance.
Implemented since 2018, PERSE covers 10 provinces. For the 2025–2026 school year, more than 5 million children were able to return to school thanks to this program, confirming its major role in expanding access to education.
Ouriel Mangitukwa & Joséphine Sabuni
