Partner of the Week: Inspection Generale de l’EPST, Democratic Republic of the Congo

Inspection Generale de l’EPST (Education Physique, Sportive et de Travail) is at the forefront of transforming technical education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dedicated to enhancing the skills and employability of students, the organisation plays a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape. With a focus on three key sectors – agriculture, mining and quarrying, and construction and public works – Inspection Generale de l’EPST aims to align training with employment needs. 

 

Partnership with Aflatoun  

Empowered by Aflatoun since 2020, Inspection Generale de l’EPST has established a strategic partnership to enhance education. This collaboration has played a crucial role in adjusting curricula for 16 branches of study using the Competency-Based Approach (CBA), ensuring that students are well-prepared for the job market. 

 

Modernising Technical Education for National Development  

The primary goal of Inspection Generale de l’EPST is to implement a comprehensive reform in technical education, aligning it with the needs of the job market. The organisation has undertaken the task of rewriting curricula and digitising accounting teaching to meet the demands of the modern world. The focus on the agricultural, mining, and construction sectors reflects a commitment to high-employment-potential areas, contributing to the country’s overall development. 

 

Transforming Education  

The success of Inspection Generale de l’EPST’s initiatives is evident in the implementation of the new curricula across the nation. To ensure widespread adoption, a national core of inspectors was trained as train

ers of trainers. These trainers were then deployed to the 26 administrative provinces, reaching teachers and provincial inspectors. Over 1,336 teachers, including 539 from the commercial sector, have undergone capacity-building training and are actively sharing the acquired knowledge with their peers. 

 The impact is significant, with nearly 15,000 teachers expected to benefit from this training model. These empowered educators will, in turn, shape the next generation of learners, equipping them with the skills and knowledge outlined in the reference documents. Ultimately, these students will emerge as the driving force behind the nation’s development, fostering positive change in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Inspection Generale de l’EPST’s success story is not just about transforming education, it is about empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic fabric of their nation, creating a brighter future for all.