Parents of students in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Kasaï-Central province are speaking out against what they see as unauthorized school fee payments. They claim that some schools, particularly those under the conventional regime, are demanding multiple monthly payments at once, despite a provincial ordinance that sets specific fees for the 2026-2027 academic year. This ordinance, established to regulate educational costs, has not been respected by some institutions, according to parents.
Véronique Mbuyi, a member of a parents' committee at an institute in Katoka commune, reports that some schools are not adhering to the provincial ordinance. She mentions the case of her daughter, who was sent home for not paying 16,500 Congolese francs, equivalent to three months of fees, when she had only paid 5,500 francs, the supposed monthly fee. Mbuyi expresses concern that this practice is happening just days after the ordinance was published.
The provincial ordinance n°140, dated September 16, 2026, sets the school fees applicable in public and private accredited institutions in Kasaï-Central for the 2026-2027 academic year. For various secondary education categories, the ordinance establishes monthly ceilings ranging from 5,500 to 9,000 Congolese francs, depending on the cycle and option. It also regulates certain annual contributions and mandates the issuance of a receipt for every payment made by parents or students.
Mbuyi and other parents are urging school administrators to respect the payment modalities outlined in the provincial ordinance. They are also calling on competent school authorities to ensure the ordinance is applied and to intervene in cases of non-compliance. This alert comes as schools in Kasaï-Central continue their activities for the 2026-2027 academic year, shortly after the publication of the provincial ordinance.
The situation has sparked concern among parents, who feel that these unauthorized demands could hinder access to education for many students. According to Mbuyi, some parents are struggling to meet these excessive demands, which could lead to students being excluded from school. The parents' committee is advocating for a solution that would allow all students to continue their education without financial hardship.
Félix MULUMBA KALEMBA, a representative of the parents, emphasizes the need for collaboration between school administrators, authorities, and parents to resolve this issue. He stresses that the provincial ordinance must be respected to ensure that education remains accessible to all students in Kasaï-Central. The situation is being closely monitored, and parents are hopeful that a resolution will be reached soon.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that schools in Kasaï-Central adhere to the established provincial ordinance, providing a fair and transparent educational environment for all students. Parents, educators, and authorities must work together to address these concerns and find a solution that prioritizes the well-being and education of students in the region.
Key points
- Provincial ordinance sets school fees for 2026-2027 academic year in Kasaï-Central.
- Parents denounce unauthorized demands for multiple monthly payments.
- Authorities urged to ensure compliance with provincial ordinance.
