DR Congo: School year to begin despite Ebola, planned strike and war

Millions of pupils are due to return to school on Tuesday 1 September in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The government is maintaining the start of the school year across the country, but several factors could significantly affect how it unfolds from one region to another.

Six provinces affected by Ebola

The school year begins as six provinces are affected by Ebola, according to RFI. The source does not specify what measures are planned in the affected schools or what special arrangements may apply to pupils and school staff.

A call not to resume classes

The Congo Teachers’ Union (Syeco) is calling on teachers not to return to class. The call could affect the resumption of classes in areas where it is followed, while pupils are officially expected to return to school from 1 September.

School year also being prepared in AFC/M23-controlled areas

In territories controlled by the AFC/M23, the movement’s authorities are also preparing for the start of the school year. This comes in a context in which Kinshasa continues to pay primary and secondary school teachers, including while these territories remain under the movement’s control, according to RFI.

The decision to maintain a nationwide start to the school year therefore sets the same timetable for pupils, without removing the health, social and security constraints reported across different territories.