30 universities mobilized in Kinshasa to promote culture, citizenship and academic excellence

Kinshasa, July 13^th; 2026 (CPA). – More than 30 universities in Kinshasa have participated in the second edition of the National Festival of Men of Letters (FENHOL 2), launched at the University of Kinshasa (UNIKIN) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the aim of promoting culture, citizenship and excellence amongst university students. “This second edition of FENHOL brings together talented young people from more than 30 universities in Kinshasa to focus on culture, citizenship, leadership and excellence. Our aim is to promote talent and to train a committed youth,” has declared Seraphin Mikobi, coordinator of the Circle of Men of Letters (CERHOL). “Following the official launching, free training sessions will be organized from July 16^th to 18^th, 2026, ahead of the semi-finals scheduled for August 15^th at the University of Kinshasa’s Chapiteau for the five national competitions: public speaking, music, literature, television news and French dictation,” he has added. The rector of the University of Kinshasa has reaffirmed his commitment to support this cultural and academic initiative, whilst announcing measures aimed to improve the infrastructure of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities. “This initiative, dedicated to the promotion of Congolese culture and talent, provides an opportunity to showcase young people’s skills. The refurbishment of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities’ lecture theatre will improve learning conditions and the organization of activities,” he has indicated. He has emphasized that “beyond the competitions, FENHOL aims to help raise civic awareness, promote reading and literature, and encourage excellence amongst Congolese youth”. The National Festival of Men of Letters (FENHOL) is a cultural and academic initiative created by the Circle of Men of Letters at the University of Kinshasa (CERHOL). It aims to promote literature, critical thinking and civic engagement amongst young university students.ACP/