Kinshasa, September 1st, 2026 (CPA).- The teachers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have been urged to put pupils at the heart of their work during the opening ceremony for the 2026–2027 school year, held on Tuesday at the N’sele Technical Institute of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (ITAV N’sele) in Kinshasa. “Dear teachers, I am aware of the importance of your mission and the difficulties that many of you continue to face. The government will continue the work it has undertaken to improve and safeguard social conditions. For your part, I ask you to put the pupil at the heart of your mission, to be present in your classrooms, to teach to high standards, to uphold the ethics of your profession and to ensure effectively that children learn,” has said Raissa Malu, Minister in charge of National Education and New Citizenship. At a time when the Republic is striving for greater peace and cohesion, according to Minister Malu, “school must remain one of the places where we learn what unites us: respect for others, a sense of the common good, love for our country and loyalty to the Republic”. She has, by this occasion, called on pupils to show curiosity during the current school year. “Dear pupils, work hard, be curious, respect your teachers and classmates, look after your school and believe in your abilities. Our country needs your intelligence, your knowledge, your creativity and your sense of responsibility,” she has said.
A tailored response in areas at risk of health crises recommended
The minister has, for the same occasion, made clear the Government of the Republic’s commitment to keeping schools open even in areas affected by the Ebola virus disease. “In the areas affected by Ebola, we have also prepared a tailored response. Where health conditions permit, lessons will continue in person with the necessary preventive measures in place. A streamlined distance-learning scheme helps to maintain learning and keep the connection alive,” has indicated Raissa Malu. According to her, “this start to the new school year comes at a challenging time. Some parts of our country continue to face insecurity and conflict. Others are facing health risks. But our duty remains the same: to keep schools running wherever possible. My thoughts are therefore particularly with our pupils, teachers and families living in areas affected by conflict. Their right to education must remain fully guaranteed’.
Roll-out of 78 school canteens expected
Furthermore, the Minister in charge of National Education has announced the forthcoming roll-out of 78 school canteens across the country. “This year, we are also launching the roll-out of 78 school canteens, three per province. This is a first step towards better addressing the practical circumstances in which our children, too, will gradually take their place in our schools,” she has indicated. According to Ms Malu, “the Congolese school must not only impart knowledge; it must also train responsible citizens who respect the common good, are patriotic and loyal to the Republic,” she has explained. She has, subsequently, called on the entire teaching staff and parents to take on greater responsibility throughout this school year. “Dear parents, you are essential partners of the school. Ensure that your children attend regularly and on time. Take an interest in their learning and maintain a dialogue with their teachers. The quality of state primary education, as envisaged by His Excellency the President of the Republic, Felix Tshisekedi, remains a fundamental commitment of the State,” she has emphasized.