On Monday, May 11, 2026, the Congolese capital throbbed to the rhythm of the mid-term review of the Girls' Learning and Empowerment Project ( PAAF ). Chaired by the Minister of State for National Education and New Citizenship, Raïssa Malu , this meeting marks a decisive turning point for this large-scale program endowed with $400 million .

An uncompromising assessment

Far from the usual formalities, Raïssa Malu established a tone of rigor. Facing experts and partners (including the World Bank), she demanded a frank analysis of the first two years of implementation.

"People are not expecting accounting adjustments, but tangible results," she insisted.

The objective is clear: to identify administrative and logistical obstacles in order to transform the project's ambitions into concrete realities in the ten targeted provinces.

The pillars of the PAAF project (2023-2028)

Funded by the World Bank, the PAAF does not just provide one-off assistance; it aims for a profound transformation of the education system by December 2028.

1. Human resources: Recruitment and training of 5,000 secondary school teachers .
2. Financial support: Distribution of school scholarships (already 200,000 beneficiaries according to Albert Zeufack of the World Bank).
3. Infrastructure and tools: Rehabilitation of schools and mass distribution of science textbooks.
4. Social protection: Active fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in schools.

Areas of intervention and major challenges

The project is being deployed in key areas, including the Kasai region, South Kivu, Ituri, Kinshasa, Kongo-Central, Kwilu, Lomami and North Kivu.

The Minister particularly emphasized two points of concern:

1. Stock market efficiency: Accelerating and securing the awarding of scholarships, particularly in Greater Kasai.
2. Security inclusion: Do not neglect areas affected by instability, in order to guarantee national equity.

Towards ensuring the sustainability of achievements

Beyond 2028, the Congolese government hopes that the innovations of the PAAF — such as the digitization of teaching materials and the training of inspectors — will become the norm throughout the territory.

This review, in which the Minister of State for Planning, Guylain Nyembo , also participated, is part of the DRC's five-year vision for 2024-2029. The ultimate goal remains to build an inclusive education system where every girl, regardless of her province, has the tools to succeed in her secondary education.