Kinshasa/Funa: Tony Mwaba engages school heads in a drive to eradicate anti-values

Following his visit to Mont-Amba, the Minister of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST), Professor Tony Mwaba Kazadi, traveled to the Kimbuta School Complex in the municipality of Kasa-vubu, where he met with all the principals of public and private schools in the Kinshasa/Funa educational province. The goal is to engage them in a new work dynamic to put a definitive end to negative behaviors in schools.

Ms. Christine Nepa Nepa Kabala, Secretary General of the EPST, who spoke before Minister Tony Mwaba’s long-awaited address, highlighted the unique nature of today’s meeting, clarifying that it was not a protest rally but rather a working session designed to reinforce official guidelines and encourage administrators to adopt values-based conduct.

Taking the floor in turn, the head of the EPST reminded school principals of their roles and obligations. He emphasized, in particular, the development of a school’s operating budget; health and environmental oversight; adherence to the school calendar; ongoing communication with the parent committee; educational oversight; the consolidation and sustainability of free public primary education; discussions with students on patriotism; and so on.

Administrators were also asked to familiarize themselves with the Framework Law on National Education, the 2016–2025 Sectoral Strategy for Education and Training, the new school agreement signed between the Congolese government and religious denominations, the circular prohibiting the sale of school supplies, and the circular prohibiting the illegal collection of the free education allowance, including the misuse of operating funds allocated to administrative offices.

The head of the EPST reminded school administrators that they represent the minister in charge of their institutions, which is why they must work with rigor and excellence. He warned those who continue to engage in misconduct that they face sanctions.

"If you do not follow official instructions, we will declare the school you manage to be unsustainable. We are issuing instructions to reform the education system, and yet you find ways to circumvent our decisions! We are keeping a close eye on you," stated Professor Tony Mwaba.

The minister called on school principals who have not yet met the viability requirements to comply with current measures before the moratorium expires at the start of the next school year.

"From now on, no school can operate outside the ministry’s requirements. If you lack the passion or the calling, leave teaching," the minister insisted.

Tony Mwaba specifically highlighted the negative trends observed in Funa, including a high number of cases of rape and sexual harassment. He also noted the transformation of schools into places of worship and fairgrounds; the bars and outdoor seating areas surrounding schools; the failure to disseminate the code of conduct; tribalism; the irregular holding of pedagogical meetings; the monetization of enrollment; and poorly maintained infrastructure. He therefore provided contact numbers to facilitate the reporting of cases of abuse in schools.

"All instructions given here must be followed to ensure the new school year begins with rigor and excellence. Anyone who defies official instructions must be reported to 0840018006 and 178, a toll-free number managed by the Ministry’s Communication Management Directorate (DGC)," he concluded.

Christian BELLA