The government of Kasaï-Central province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has officially established a provincial committee to oversee the implementation of the Projet d’apprentissage et d’autonomisation des Filles (PAAF). The committee was set up on September 23 in Kananga, the provincial capital, following a workshop on advocacy and citizen engagement. The workshop brought together various stakeholders, including politico-administrative authorities, education officials, and actors involved in the implementation of PAAF in the province.
The committee, which comprises several key stakeholders, including the provincial minister of education, the provincial PAAF specialist, and representatives from various education sectors, will meet quarterly to assess the project's progress, discuss challenges, and plan future actions. The committee's establishment was formalized by the provincial minister of education, Honoré Mutshipayi Balowe, who read out the decree setting up the structure.
The PAAF project, financed by the World Bank to the tune of $400 million, aims to improve access to secondary education for girls and enhance their learning conditions in public schools. The project is coordinated by the Ministry of National Education and New Citizenship. In her welcome address, Alice Mutambayi, delegated coordinator of PAAF, highlighted several obstacles to girls' education, including economic and sociocultural constraints, as well as inadequate school infrastructure.
The PAAF project in Kasaï-Central province also focuses on securing the school environment, particularly through the prevention of gender-based violence, complaint management, and capacity building for education stakeholders. Provincial authorities and communities have been urged to get involved in the project's implementation. The project's interventions are expected to improve girls' access to education and enhance their overall learning experience.
In his opening remarks, Joseph-Moïse Kambulu N’Kongo, governor of Kasaï-Central province, reaffirmed his government's commitment to girls' education, describing it as a top priority. He called on administrative authorities and concerned services to facilitate the execution of PAAF activities in the province's territories and communes.
The establishment of the provincial committee is expected to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of PAAF interventions at the provincial level. The committee's oversight role will help to ensure that the project's objectives are met and that girls in Kasaï-Central province benefit from improved access to quality education.
The PAAF project is a significant initiative aimed at promoting girls' education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With the establishment of the provincial committee, stakeholders are optimistic that the project will achieve its goals and make a positive impact on the lives of girls in Kasaï-Central province and beyond.
Key points
- The PAAF project aims to improve access to secondary education for girls and enhance their learning conditions in public schools.
- The project is financed by the World Bank to the tune of $400 million.
- The provincial committee will meet quarterly to assess the project's progress and plan future actions.
