Teachers in Mai-Ndombe Demand Action Over Unpaid Salaries
A group of educators in the Oshwe 4, Kutu 3 (Bosobe), Inongo 3, and Kutu 4 subdivisions are on the brink of a strike starting next Monday due to the non-payment of their salaries. This issue stems from the lack of compensation for the months of November, December 2024, and January 2025, despite repeated requests for payment.
Typically, these teachers receive their salaries through Caritas, an organization that has only fulfilled payment obligations in certain educational provinces so far. According to Juscar Mbukela, the president of the teacher’s union, the proposed course of action is to halt all activities until the Congolese government addresses the rights of these educators. “Since November, we have not been paid. It’s been almost four months. We are fathers supporting families, how are we supposed to ensure our households survive? The only option left is to stop working if the government doesn’t urgently resolve our issues,” he stated.
In Mai-Ndombe, the issue of teacher salaries has consistently been a challenge. Just last January, tensions were high between teachers in Inongo and Caritas due to delayed payments. This tension culminated in a spontaneous protest where Caritas properties and those of the National Directorate for Teacher Salary Control were vandalized. Legal action was even taken following these events.
The Struggle for Educational Stability
The teachers in Mai-Ndombe face not only the personal financial strain of unpaid salaries but also the larger issue of educational stability in the region. Without their essential compensation, these educators are left in a precarious position, unable to fulfill their duties in the classroom effectively. This situation not only impacts the teachers themselves but also has a ripple effect on the students they are responsible for educating. The threat of a strike underscores the urgency of addressing these payment issues to maintain the quality of education in the area. The Call for Government Intervention
As the situation escalates, the teachers’ union is calling on the Congolese government to intervene promptly. The livelihoods of these educators and the education of countless students hang in the balance, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action. The government must prioritize resolving the salary payment concerns to prevent further disruptions to the educational system and ensure the well-being of both teachers and students.
As the situation escalates, the teachers’ union is calling on the Congolese government to intervene promptly. The livelihoods of these educators and the education of countless students hang in the balance, emphasizing the critical need for immediate action. The government must prioritize resolving the salary payment concerns to prevent further disruptions to the educational system and ensure the well-being of both teachers and students.
The plight of these teachers in Mai-Ndombe highlights the broader challenges faced by educators in under-resourced regions and the critical role that timely salary payments play in maintaining educational stability. Without swift intervention, the threat of a strike looms large, underscoring the urgent need for resolution to support the dedicated teachers striving to make a difference in their communities.