They said no to dropping out of school: pregnant candidates at the heart of Exetat 2025 in Kongo-Central

About 10 female high school seniors bravely took the exams for the regular session of the State Examination, held from July 28 to 31, 2025, in Kongo-Central Province. Jean-Pierre Kokumbo, Provincial Chief Inspector (PPI) of Kongo-Central 1, who confirmed the information, commends the government’s recent decision, via the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), to no longer exclude pregnant girls from the education system. This measure is part of the government’s policy of inclusivity. According to the IPP, on Monday, July 28, one student gave birth but was able to take her exams without incident. The following day, Tuesday, July 29, another student, already in the early stages of labor, nevertheless completed her exam. Another 17-year-old girl, seven months pregnant, testified that she overcame the shame and mockery of her classmates, stating that she gave her best to earn her diploma, the IPP further reports. The IPP emphasized the importance of this government decision, which helps safeguard the educational future of pregnant girls.

 “They can continue their studies with peace of mind. This proves that personal commitment and the will to succeed can overcome social obstacles,” he said.

In Kongo-Central Province, 63,063 graduating students took part in the regular session of the 2025 State Exam, spread across 173 testing centers. The decision to keep pregnant girls in school has also been praised by the United Nations, which sees it as an important step in the fight against gender inequality in schools. Deleine Diazolakana