North Kivu Educators Work Unpaid for State Exams Amidst Funding Woes

Education professionals in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, are undertaking the crucial national State Exams for the 2025-2026 academic year under challenging circumstances: they have not yet received any payment for their work. Despite the launch of these national examinations, educators report a complete lack of remuneration.

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Up to now, the small session, ENAFEP, TENASOSP, and soon the main session starting this Monday, June 22, 2026, all these exams have not yet been paid. That is why we appeal to the government's conscience to get involved in order to release all these amounts and allow our stakeholders, who give their all, to benefit, regardless of the lack of motivation, the lack of transport for those who have been assigned very far.

Exaucé Bandu Bauma, the provincial secretary for the national union of education professionals, stated that these individuals are "working out of patriotism." He expressed hope that the government will expedite the release of funds. Bauma noted that payments for previous examination sessions, including the small session, ENAFEP, and TENASOSP, are also outstanding, adding to the financial strain on the professionals.

The situation is particularly difficult for those assigned to remote areas. Some inspectors from Masisi have been relocated to Walikale, a journey of over 250 kilometers, requiring them to arrange their own transport, often by borrowing money. Bauma appealed to the government to ensure these professionals, who are demonstrating immense patriotism despite the lack of motivation and resources, are paid promptly.

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They have just made arrangements to go there. Others have borrowed money so that they can honor these exams.

Since 2023, the government has committed to covering the participation fees for national certification exams for all students in North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces. This initiative was intended to support families in these regions affected by security crises. However, the current non-payment of exam personnel raises serious concerns about the effective implementation of these support measures and the working conditions of educators.

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working by patriotism