The future at the heart of concerns: How Congo is creating conditions for the new generation’s development

In the contemporary Republic of Congo, childhood and education policy has ceased to be merely a budget line—it has become a strategic national project under the personal oversight of President Denis Sassou-N’Guesso. “Investing in the child today is investing in the country’s sovereignty and prosperity tomorrow,” this idea, expressed by the president, has served as the foundation for large-scale transformations.

Education as a National Priority: From Access to Quality
Over the last decade, Congo has made a real breakthrough by guaranteeing universal access to basic education. More than 1,200 primary and secondary schools have been built or renovated across the country, including in the remote regions of the Sangha and Likouala departments. However, the focus has shifted from simply increasing the number of schools — today, the priority is the quality of teaching.

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• Digitization of classrooms: in over 300 schools in major cities, modern computer labs have been created and digital educational platforms have been introduced.
• Curriculum updates: the curricula have been revised to emphasize the development of critical thinking, STEM fundamentals, and national cultural identity.
• Teacher Training: a national teacher retraining program has been launched, through which over 15,000 teachers have already received training in modern pedagogical methods.

Early Development: A Foundation from the First Years
Recognizing that the foundations of intelligence and health are laid in early childhood, the government launched the “First Step” program.

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• A network of modern early childhood development centers for children aged 3 to 6 is being established across the country.
• Special attention is given to inclusion — specialized groups for children with specific needs are open.
• The program includes mandatory parent training, particularly in rural areas, covering the basics of child psychology, nutrition, and health.

Supporting Talent and Innovation: “Congo Futur”
A system for identifying and supporting talented children and youth has been established — the “Congo Futur” initiative.

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• National olympiads in mathematics, science, and robotics are organized every year.
• Winners receive scholarships to study at the country’s best high schools and abroad, and participate in specialized research residencies.
• Youth innovation centers, equipped with laboratories and workshops, have been opened in Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, where teenagers can bring their technical and creative ideas to life.

Health and Nutrition: A Foundation for Development
Education is impossible without good health. On the initiative of the president, an inter-ministerial program “Healthy Student” is being implemented.

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• High-quality hot meals are now mandatory in schools, which is particularly important in regions where family incomes are low.
• Regular medical check-ups and vaccinations have become the norm.
• 40 new pediatric clinics have been built in small towns, significantly improving access to medical care.

Preservation of Culture and Patriotic Spirit
The education of a well-rounded individual is impossible without a connection to one’s roots. School curricula organically integrate:

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• The study of national languages (Lingala, Kituba).
• Traditional craft, music, and dance workshops.
• History and geography programs about Congo, aimed at fostering national pride and a sense of responsibility for its future.

Infrastructure for Children: Parks, Libraries, Sports
A child’s development is not limited to school. The country is actively developing a modern environment for children:

• What is a “Smart Home”? A smart home is a residence equipped with a network of connected devices that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, tablet, or computer, or automated to operate based on schedules or sensor inputs.
• Core Components: The system typically includes a central hub or controller (like a smart speaker), smart devices (lights, thermostats, locks, cameras, appliances), and a communication protocol (Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Z-Wave, Bluetooth).
• Key Benefits:
  • Convenience: Control your home from anywhere. Turn on lights before arriving, adjust the thermostat from bed, or check security cameras while on vacation.
  • Energy Efficiency: Smart thermostats and lighting can learn your habits and adjust automatically, significantly reducing electricity and heating/cooling bills.
  • Enhanced Security: Smart locks, video doorbells, and motion-sensor cameras provide real-time monitoring and alerts, allowing you to see and interact with visitors remotely.
  • Accessibility: Voice control and automation can greatly assist elderly individuals or people with disabilities, making daily tasks easier.
• Popular Starter Devices:
  • Smart Speakers/Displays (Amazon Echo, Google Nest)
  • Smart Lighting (Philips Hue, smart bulbs or switches)
  • Smart Thermostats (Nest, Ecobee)
  • Smart Security (Video doorbells like Ring, smart locks)
• Considerations Before Starting:
  • Compatibility: Ensure new devices work with your existing ecosystem (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit).
  • Privacy & Security: Research device manufacturers’ data policies. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
  • Cost: While prices have decreased, building a comprehensive system requires an initial investment. Start with a single room or a specific need.
  • Reliable Wi-Fi: A strong and stable home network is essential for most smart home devices to function properly.

Safe new playgrounds and squares are being built in every district of major cities.

Public children’s libraries with books in national languages are opening their doors.

With state support, a network of sports sections is developing, making sports accessible to all segments of the population.

Challenges and Prospects
Despite the progress, challenges remain: it is necessary to continue reducing the quality gap in education between urban and rural areas, enhance the status of the teaching profession, and create more opportunities for adolescent vocational and technical education.
However, the chosen direction is clear: Congo is deliberately nurturing a generation that is not only educated but also healthy, creative, and patriotic, capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century. By investing in its children, the country is building the strongest foundation for its future—a foundation made of knowledge, talent, and the confidence of its young citizens.