In the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, there is still no return to school in public and state-run primary schools in North Kivu, a province torn apart by armed conflict. Two weeks after the resumption of classes, teachers are on strike.
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With our correspondent in Goma, Heir Baraka
At the primary school of application of the institute of Goma (EPAIGO), the entrance door is closed. A little further, at Kesheni, a Catholic school under contract, it is the classrooms that are padlocked. No children’s cries in the courtyard, we only hear the birds singing.
Chalk contractors are demanding better wages following free primary education. While parents are worried about their children’s education, the authorities in North Kivu are threatening the strikers.
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Sophia Valinande, spokesperson for the Union of Public Primary School Teachers in North Kivu, is asking the government to respect its commitments, the only condition for teachers to resume classes: ” Since free education was advocated by the head of state, teachers, especially in primary schools, find themselves really marginalized. The government added 50,000 francs, it’s not even $50. »
The head of schools in North Kivu 1 in Goma claims that it is a small group of teachers who are being manipulated. Luc Gbaweza Kabango: ” If this movement continues to manifest itself, we will consider that it is no longer a strike, it becomes a demand that no longer has any meaning, or reason for being. And we have heard that there are certain manipulations. »
This strike movement is also observed in Butembo and Béni, two other large cities in North Kivu.
While private schools have been operating normally since the start of the school year, parents are calling for the urgent involvement of the Congolese authorities. The unions of North Kivu are due to meet today in Goma to decide on the next steps in the movement.
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