DRC schools reopen amid sharply contrasting conditions across provinces

Nearly 31 million students are expected to return to school across the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but the new academic year is unfolding very differently from one province to another.

In Kinshasa, the return to class is gradual. Several schools are still seeing low attendance. In Bunia and Beni, concerns over Ebola are prompting schools to strengthen prevention measures, while some parents remain uneasy about sending their children back.

The situation is more difficult in parts of North Kivu. In Walikale, population movements linked to fighting have already prevented more than 800 school-age children from having a normal return to classes. In Mbandaka, in Equateur province, teachers have begun a strike over several salary and social demands.

Education and New Citizenship Minister Raïssa Malu says the government remains committed to improving the quality of education. The stated priorities include reforming school curricula, strengthening teaching practices and expanding teacher training. The start of the school year is also being examined by education officials, teachers’ representatives and the national Coalition for Education for All in the DRC.