DRC: Call for the inclusion of the ‘Mandombe’ script in primary schools

Kinshasa, April 8^th, 2026 (CPA). – The integration of the ‘Mandombe’ African script into the Congolese education system from primary school has been recommended during an online conference held on Wednesday in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, due to its influence on identity, culture and spirituality in Central Africa, particularly through the Kimbanguist Church,  “Speaking of the legacy of Kimbangu and Kimbanguism, this is also an opportunity to popularise the Mandombe script and better integrate it into our education system, starting from primary school,” has declared Emmanuel Kingombo, a Congolese thinker.  First in the Kimbanguist-affiliated schools, then in state schools, and finally in private and Catholic-affiliated schools, with the aim of promoting an inclusive education that respects the country’s cultural and spiritual diversity,” he has added. According to him, the integration of this writing system would be a major asset for Congolese pupils, strengthening their cultural identity and improving their learning.  “By integrating the Mandombe script, the Congolese pupils could: better understand their cultural heritage, develop greater self-confidence, improve their linguistic and cultural skills, and become active agents in promoting their culture and identity,” has noted Mr Kingombo, adding that this script could be a key lever for promoting Congolese culture. He has also emphasised that this integration into the Congolese education system will require significant effort and resources, particularly in terms of teacher training, the creation of teaching materials, and community awareness-raising. This conference was held on the side-lines of the commemoration of April 6^th, dedicated to the memory of the Prophet Simon Kimbangu and the celebration of African Consciousness Day. Died on April 4^th, 2013 in Turkey, David Wabeladio, the inventor of the Mandombe script, was a Congolese researcher and professor, born in 1957; he was known for having created this Black African writing system in 1978 in Mbanza-Ngungu, in DRC.