President Tshisekedi launches construction of school cafeteria in Kinshasa

President Félix Tshisekedi laid the foundation stone for a school cafeteria at Sona Pangu primary school in Kinshasa as the 2026-27 school year began.

During his visit on Friday, Sept. 4, Tshisekedi also symbolically handed over a batch of benches produced by the National Service workshops. The presidency said he assessed the children’s learning conditions and spoke with them. He also visited Bonsomi College and Mgr Shaumba High School.

At each stop, the president reaffirmed his commitment to a modern school and urged students to pursue excellence. “Education is an indispensable weapon for the development of our country. You are the future of this country,” Tshisekedi told them. He also encouraged final-year students to distinguish themselves and qualify for the Excellentia RDC program.

Education Minister Raïssa Malu announced on Sept. 1 that 78 pilot school cafeterias would be established during the 2026-27 academic year. The initiative forms part of the 2025-30 National School Feeding Strategy.

The program is designed to keep children in school, encourage regular attendance and provide balanced meals to improve learning performance. It also aims to stimulate local agricultural production to supply the schools. The school year officially began nationwide on Sept. 1, with nearly 31 million pupils expected. Malu urged teachers to place children at the center of their work.

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Education is an indispensable weapon for the development of our country. You are the future of this country.