The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces the official start of the academic year on Sept. 1, 2026, while managing an active outbreak of the Ebola virus. According to the Ministry of Education, the ongoing crisis will shape operations across affected provinces, where approximately 2.890 schools currently sit in high-risk zones.
How the Three-Tier Risk System Directs School Operations
According to the Ministry of Education, educational institutions across the country will operate under a color-coded framework of green, orange, and red designations determined by local transmission rates. In green zones showing no confirmed cases, classes resume normally alongside targeted health awareness campaigns. Orange zones, where virus cases are confirmed, maintain in-person instruction coupled with heightened sanitation protocols. Red zones experience active transmission, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend standard face-to-face learning in favor of a lightweight remote setup.
Remote Learning Without Digital Requirements in Red Zones
According to statements from National Education Minister Raïssa Malu Dinanga, remote education in red zones will rely on physical worksheets rather than online or internet-based platforms. Families will not need any digital equipment or internet access. Educators will distribute learning materials focused on essential subjects every 15 days, supplemented by educational radio broadcasts and, where feasible, television programs. Schools in these red-risk areas remain open exclusively as designated educational service points, allowing parents or students to collect assignments at staggered intervals to prevent crowds.
Strains on Children and the Ongoing Epidemic Context
According to UNICEF data, children account for approximately 21% of confirmed Ebola cases in the current outbreak but represent one-third of all reported deaths. The ongoing crisis marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the history of the DRC. Within three months, it has become the most deadly, recording more than 2 500 deaths. Current medical efforts face the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no specific licensed vaccine or treatment exists, though clinical trials are underway alongside the deployment of 70 000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine to test its impact against this strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the academic year start in the DRC?
The academic year officially starts on Sept. 1, 2026, across the country, though implementation methods vary locally based on health risks, according to the Ministry of Education.
Do families need computers or internet for remote learning in red zones?
No. According to Minister Raïssa Malu Dinanga’s statements, distance learning relies on paper worksheets distributed every two weeks, alongside radio and television broadcasts.
How long do the red-zone measures last?
Measures in red zones apply for initial four-week periods, after which the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health will reevaluate local health conditions.
Did you know? Schools in red zones remain open as physical distribution points where families can pick up learning materials safely using staggered schedules.
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