State of the Nation Address: President Tshisekedi announces the construction of 1000 schools by 2026

The President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, announced several initiatives in the National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC) sub-sector for the year 2026, which is fast approaching. He made the announcement during his address to the nation on Monday, December 8, before both chambers of Parliament assembled in a joint session. As part of the PDL-145 Territories program and its complementary components, the government plans to build more than 1,000 new schools. Four major teacher training institutes will also be established to strengthen educational capacity.

“In 2026, we will reach a new milestone. As part of the PDL-145 Territories program and its complementary initiatives, the government plans to build more than 1,000 additional schools and open four major teacher training institutes,” the head of state announced.

The construction of school infrastructure is part of the first strategic priority of the Five-Year Plan of the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship. This strategic priority is dedicated to transforming educational infrastructure and resources to provide a learning environment conducive to acquiring the skills necessary for the 21st century. The President also announced the digitization of educational services and the payroll system using a multifunctional biometric card. Additionally, distance learning will be expanded to reach a larger number of students. As a reminder, in the DRC, 1,384 schools have been built across the country as part of this program, with a total of 254,676 benches and desks delivered. More than 80 temporary learning spaces have been set up for children displaced by conflict or natural disasters. Willy Kambulu