Training
Since the French colonial era, the educational tradition has been strong in the Congo-Brazzaville, and the country has invested more in education than many other African countries. About four-fifths of the population can read and write, a high proportion compared to other countries in the region.
The school system is built according to the French model. Compulsory school, consisting of a six-year and a four-year stage, is compulsory for children between 6 and 16 years. The school is free of charge but the students have to obtain school uniforms and books. After the first ten years, the students can move on to a three-year stage corresponding to the high school. Teaching takes place in French and in local languages.
- COUNTRYAAH: Country facts of Republic of the Congo, including geography profile, population statistics, and business data.
Nine out of ten children start first grade but the drop-offs are many. Only about half of the children go on after the first stage. The proportion of girls is slightly greater than the proportion of boys at the first stage, but at the higher level and at the university level the proportion of girls is lower.
The civil war of 1997–2000 (see Modern history) devastated a large part of the school system and the level of education dropped. Since then, reconstruction has taken place, but many schools are still crowded.
The country’s only university was founded in 1971 and is located in Brazzaville. Those who can afford often send their children to universities and colleges abroad, especially in France.
- Andyeducation: Introduction to education system in Republic of the Congo, including compulsory schooling and higher education.
FACTS – EDUCATION
Proportion of children starting primary school
85.8 percent (2012)
Number of pupils per teacher in primary school
44 (2012)
Reading and writing skills
79.3 percent (2011)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP
8.6 percent (2015)
Public expenditure on education as a percentage of the state budget
8.6 percent (2015)
2019
December
France opens criminal investigation against the president’s son
December 9
A French criminal investigation is launched against President Denis Sassou Nguesso’s son Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso for money laundering . According to a survey conducted by the organization Global Witness in April 2019, the president’s zone has seized assets for the equivalent of $ 50 million.
July
IMF grants million loans to Congo-Brazzaville
July 11
The IMF announces that Congo-Brazzaville will be granted credits of more than $ 400 million over a three-year period. The money will go towards developing the country’s crisis-hit economy, which has been hit hard by low world market prices for oil. At the same time, the IMF demands that the government take measures against corruption, reduce the country’s debt burden.
April
Rebel party is allowed again
April 29
The ban on the party led by ninja leader Frédéric Bintsamou, also called Pastor Ntumi, is lifted and the party will continue to be able to conduct business throughout the country. Since the party was banned in connection with the unrest over the 2016 presidential election, Bintsamou has kept a low profile and has been in the home province of Pool. Bintsamou’s group entered into an armistice with the government in December 2017.
