SYNIECO's first congress: The Inspector is the operational arm of the Ministry, observing, listening, alerting and guiding (Raïssa Malu)

It was with these words that Raïssa Malu, Minister of State and Minister of National Education and New Citizenship, addressed the inspectors during her participation in the opening ceremony of the first Congress of the National Union of Education Inspectors in the Congo (SYNIECO), held in Kinshasa, from December 18 to 20, 2025, under the theme “A New Approach to Inspection in the Face of the Challenge of Educational Quality and the Imperative of National Security.” During her address, she emphasized the importance of inspectors in the education system. According to her, the inspector is the operational arm of the ministry, playing a key role as an observer, auditor, and guide in the education sector. This congress marks a significant milestone in the discussion of the role of inspectors, raising issues of quality and security in national education.

"The Inspector occupies a unique position. He is the operational arm of the ministry, the eye that observes, the ear that listens, the conscience that alerts, and the hand that guides. If the school is the laboratory where the Nation is forged, the Inspector is the guarantor of quality assurance. Where many institutions are put to the test, the Inspector remains present, even in the areas most affected by insecurity. He embodies the permanence of the State, neutrality, a calming authority, and the social bond that endures despite crises,” she stated.

The Minister of State also highlighted the historic significance of this congress, viewing it as a pivotal moment for establishing a Strategic Master Plan. This plan aims to guide the union’s actions, clarifying its priorities, modernizing its methods, and strengthening the skills of its members. The minister emphasized the need to fully recognize inspectors as essential actors in ensuring the quality of education. The Minister of State praised SYNIECO’s sense of responsibility and maturity. In her view, “the inspectors’ union approach, beyond their demands, contributes to institutional balance, social peace, and the improvement of educational governance in the Congo. “This support reinforces the importance of dialogue between the union and the Ministry of Education,” she added. Prior to Raïssa Malu’s remarks, SYNIECO Secretary-General Henri Christin Longendja Isamboyo highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by education inspectors. In his speech, he called for improved working conditions, emphasizing the need for a secure and respected legal status for inspectors. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the professional independence of inspectors in the face of the various pressures they endure. Recognition and support for these professionals are considered essential to guaranteeing the integrity and quality of education in the Congo. It is important to note that the SYNIECO congress therefore represents a valuable opportunity to advance discussions on these fundamental issues. Célestin Zeula