Equateur: Around 30 deaf pupils in Bikoro have received a donation of school supplies

Bikoro, September 21^st, 2026 (CPA).- A donation of school supplies has been made to around 30 deaf pupils in the Bikoro territory, in Equateur Province, in the north-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), it is reported on Monday by a school source. “This donation from the Marie-Thérèse Mpembi Foundation, comprising in particular exercise books, pens, slates, bags and other school supplies, intended for 35 deaf pupils, forms part of the vision of an inclusive and equitable education for all children, without any discrimination, advocated by the founder of the foundation, National Assembly Member Marie-Thérèse Mpembi,” has declared Trésor Magic Lokwa, the foundation’s general director. “This donation aims to encourage their schooling, support their efforts and provide them with better learning conditions, as education is the key to development. No child should be excluded from school because of their difficulties. This is our commitment to a fairer and more inclusive society. Even deaf children have the right to an education. It is a right, not a privilege,” he has indicated. For his part, Ose Nkumu, headteacher of the Primary School for the Deaf and head of the Bikoro boarding school for the deaf, has expressed his gratitude to the Foundation for this gesture in support of vulnerable children, the majority of whom are believed to have been abandoned by their parents. The parents of the beneficiary pupils also expressed their deep gratitude to the initiator of this initiative, believing that this gesture helps to restore their smiles and give them hope. This initiative comes at a time when access to school supplies remains a challenge for many vulnerable children, particularly those living with a disabilities. Through this initiative, the organisation aims to contribute to the promotion of inclusive education and the improvement of learning conditions for deaf pupils in the Bikoro territory. Inclusive education in the DRC aims to guarantee access, participation and quality learning for all pupils, by adapting the school to the needs of each individual rather than the other way round. CPA/