Ensuring the safety, health, and wellbeing of all pupils in a protective, caring school environment aligned with the values of New Citizenship.
Pupil wellbeing and protection are top priorities for the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship. Every child has the right to learn in a safe, healthy environment that respects their dignity, where they can learn, grow, and thrive without fear.
Protecting pupils covers their physical safety, mental and emotional health, integrity, and prevention of all forms of violence, abuse, or neglect. It is a collective duty involving everyone in the Congolese education system.
Ensuring the safety of school buildings, equipment, transport, and activities in line with safety standards in force in the DRC.
Promoting pupils’ physical and mental health, hygiene, nutrition, and access to basic healthcare in schools.
Preventing and addressing all forms of violence—physical, psychological, sexual, or based on gender, origin, or social status.
Fostering a positive, caring, inclusive school climate that builds self-esteem, trust, and personal fulfilment for every pupil.
Respecting and upholding children’s rights, including the right to education, non-discrimination, participation, and expression.
Creating an environment that welcomes and values all pupils regardless of gender, origin, economic situation, or specific needs.
In preschool, protection focuses on:
In primary school, protection measures include:
At secondary level, protection becomes more complex:
Establishing protection committees in each school, with teachers, parents, pupils, and community representatives, to identify and address violations of children’s rights.
Secure, confidential channels to report violence, abuse, or neglect, with protection for those who report.
Ongoing training for teachers and education staff on child protection, recognising signs of abuse, and procedures to follow.
Working with health and social services, police, justice, and child protection organisations for comprehensive case management.
Health and nutrition are essential to Congolese pupils’ wellbeing and school success. The Ministry is committed to:
Pupil wellbeing and protection are absolute priorities. Every child has the right to learn in a safe, healthy, respectful environment. Together—teachers, parents, pupils, and communities—we must ensure every school is a place of protection and growth, in line with the values of New Citizenship.
If you witness or experience violence, abuse, or neglect, please report it:
Contact your school leadership, the General Inspectorate of Education, or the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship.
For any report or information related to national education and new citizenship, call 178
