Kinshasa, August 10th, 2025 (CPA).- The directive issued by the Minister in charge of National Education, calling on governors and all members of provincial education committees in the Democratic Republic of Congo to guarantee access to education for indigenous Pygmy peoples, has been welcomed on Sunday by an NGO, according to a press release. « The NGO Young Men Action for Education (YMAE) expresses its deep satisfaction with the recent directive from Her Excellency the Minister of State, Minister in charge of National Education, who calls on, in a circular note, (…) the provincial governors and all members of provincial education committees throughout the Republic to respect and implement measures aimed at guaranteeing access to education for all, in particular for indigenous Pygmy peoples and people living with disabilities, » it is read in the statement signed by its secretary general, Serge Bondedi.
This initiative, he has said, follows on from the advocacy work undertaken last year during the 7th edition of the ‘École eza mombongo te (school is not a business)’ campaign, following the mission to assess the right to education carried out in July 2024 in the province of Tshuapa, which has allowed to significantly advance the recognition of the educational rights of vulnerable and marginalised groups. ‘YMAE NGO wishes to inform the national and international public of the Congolese government’s firm commitment to inclusive education and the fight against all forms of discrimination and stigmatisation against indigenous Pygmy peoples and children living with disabilities,’ has indicated the General Secretary of YMAE.
Furthermore, he has called on all the relevant stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of this courageous policy by ensuring effective coordination and establishing mechanisms for on-going dialogue to monitor, evaluate and adjust this approach over time. On behalf of his organisation, Mr Bondedi has reiterated his call, already made through administrative channels, to DRC’s partner countries, most of which are technical and financial partners, to align themselves with this inclusive vision by supporting education for all. ‘YMAE reaffirms its commitment to remain vigilant and active in protecting and promoting the right to education for all, particularly for vulnerable populations, by ensuring that this political progress translates into concrete results on the ground,’ he has concluded.
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