Kinshasa/Plateau: Tony Mwaba boosts school heads' morale in the fight against corruption

The head of Primary, Secondary, and Technical Education (EPST), Professor Tony Mwaba Kazadi, launched a series of working sessions on Monday, July 3, 2023, with school principals from five educational provinces in the city-province of Kinshasa. The first stop was Kinshasa/Plateau. The minister reminded administrators in this jurisdiction of their responsibilities and the official instructions they must follow without exception, in order to prepare for a better, values-based 2023–2024 school year. This took place during a ceremony held at the Marie Immaculée/Plazza School Complex in the commune of N'sele, attended by several stakeholders from the sub-sector. 

The meeting between the head of the EPST and school principals was prompted by a lack of compliance with his instructions aimed at eradicating all forms of anti-values in schools. Professor Tony Mwaba lamented the fact that between himself, who issues the instructions, and those who are supposed to carry them out, there are many people who are not doing their jobs. This is why he had to speak directly to the school administrators, who are the recipients of his instructions—a true call to order.

"I am not here to debate with you, but I have come to give you instructions that must be followed," he said.

The minister outlined the responsibilities of a school principal, including the educational supervision of teachers and students; the development and execution of the school’s budget; health and environmental oversight of the school; the school’s annual report at all levels; adherence to the school calendar; maintaining constant contact with the parent-teacher association; and so on.

Professor Tony Mwaba also noted that a school principal must pay close attention to official instructions. He emphasized that the principal must, among other things, be familiar with the Ministry’s compendium of guidelines; ensure the implementation of the school curriculum; monitor and evaluate instruction; thoroughly understand the content of the framework law on national education; mandatory teacher training; the regular holding of pedagogical meetings; discussing patriotism and the fight against tribalism with students; promoting the code of conduct; rigor in pedagogical oversight; and, not least, the consolidation and sustainability of free public primary education.

Regarding free education, the minister warned school principals who are turning the EPST into a for-profit sector by collecting illegal fees. He specified that the only authorized fee is the 10,000 FC from the CNSAP, intended to provide a decent retirement for teachers.

In closing, the head of the EPST reminded these administrators that in schools, they are not union representatives or spokespeople for teachers.

"Have mercy on the children entrusted to you. Fully fulfill your role. If you want to do business, leave the school. A school principal cannot speak in union terms; he cannot organize a strike. He represents the authority. Anyone who fails to understand his role will face sanctions," emphasized Professor Tony Mwaba. 

The second stage of this series of working sessions will take place this Tuesday. The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education will meet with school principals from the Kinshasa/Tshiangu educational province.

Christian BELLA