World Education Day: Ministry publishes strategy for education and training in emergencies 2025-2029

The entire world is celebrating International Education Day this Saturday, January 24. To mark the occasion, the Congolese government, through the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC), has published the Strategy for Education and Training in Emergency Situations (SEFSU) 2025–2029. This strategic document, approved on August 5, 2025, is part of an effort to strengthen the education system of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which faces recurring crises that can disrupt the schooling of many students. In this context, the Government emphasizes that education is a fundamental pillar of national cohesion and social stability. As such, schools cannot be sidelined during times of crisis and must continue to serve as a protective and formative environment for children and youth, including in areas affected by armed conflict and disasters. Developed through an inclusive process involving national stakeholders as well as technical and financial partners, the SEFSU 2025–2029 establishes a framework for action aimed at ensuring the continuity of learning, enhancing the education system’s capacity to anticipate and respond to emergencies, and strengthening protection and psychosocial support mechanisms for the most vulnerable learners. It also recognizes youth as central actors in the resilience and transformation of the education sector. With an estimated budget of 824,198,072 U.S. dollars over five years, the SEFSU reflects the commitment of the Head of State, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, to a more equitable and forward-looking society. On this World Education Day, the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship reiterates its call for the mobilization of all stakeholders in the education sector, as well as international partners, to provide coordinated and sustainable support for the implementation of this strategy. The SEFSU 2025–2029 replaces the 2016–2025 Sectoral Strategy for Education and Training, which guided the education sector’s priorities over the past decade. It should be noted that International Education Day 2026 is being celebrated under UNESCO’s theme “The Power of Youth in Co-Creating Education.” Willy Kambulu