Des classes pléthoriques dans l’enseignement primaire à Lubumbashi : un défi tous azimuts

A recent survey we conducted in fifteen primary schools in the city of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), revealed a concerning issue in the Congolese education system: overcrowded classrooms with student numbers far exceeding the recommended optimal capacities. This phenomenon of overpopulation, which public schools regularly face due to its recurring nature, poses a major challenge for teaching and learning in all directions. We observe that this situation undermines educational quality, hinders academic success, and deeply affects students' well-being, as well as their cognitive, emotional, and social development. We are convinced that eradicating this phenomenon requires concerted efforts from educational policymakers and partners, a thorough reorganization of schools and classrooms, and increased awareness among teachers about the consequences of classroom overcrowding.