The provincial inspection of the National Education and New Citizenship (EDU-NC) in Maniema 2, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has warned against charging final year students for verifying their academic files. This operation is currently underway in various subdivisions of the province. According to the authority, this service is free and accessible to all. The warning comes after several complaints were received about schools demanding payment for file verification.
The Deputy Provincial Inspector in charge of evaluations, Omisisi Pierre, stated that several reports have been made about schools demanding money from students for file verification. He strongly condemned this practice, which is against the rules governing the education sector and may further burden families. Omisisi Pierre emphasized that file verification is a free service and that no school administrator can demand payment from students for this operation.
Omisisi Pierre described these practices as "antivalues" and a form of harassment towards parents and students who are preparing for an important milestone in their academic journey. He warned that school administrators who continue to demand fees for file verification will face sanctions, in accordance with the laws governing the education sector. The authority encourages parents and students who are victims of these practices to report them to the provincial inspection.
The provincial inspection urges parents and students who encounter these issues to speak out and report them directly to the inspection office. This will enable the authority to verify the reported cases and take disciplinary action against those found guilty. Omisisi Pierre appealed to parents and students to report any incidents of schools demanding payment for file verification.
The verification of final year students' academic files is currently ongoing in various subdivisions of the Maniema 2 education province, in preparation for the state exams. The provincial inspection calls on all stakeholders in the education sector to respect established procedures and avoid any practices that may disrupt this critical stage of students' academic journey.
The authority's move aims to ensure that the file verification process takes place in the best possible conditions. The inspection office will verify reported cases and take necessary actions against schools found to be demanding illegal fees. This measure is intended to prevent further exploitation of students and parents.
The provincial inspection's efforts are geared towards maintaining the integrity of the education system in Maniema 2. By banning illegal fees for file verification, the authority seeks to promote fairness and transparency in the education sector. Students and parents are encouraged to cooperate with the inspection office to ensure a smooth and successful academic process.
Key points
- The DR Congo education authority has banned schools from charging final year students for file verification, a free service that is part of the country's education regulations.
