(ANS – Goma) – On Tuesday, September 1, 2026, the official date for the resumption of classes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the courtyard of the Goma Industrial Technical Institute (ITIG), one of the leading schools in the East Congo Vice-Province (ACE), regained its usual liveliness as it welcomed 899 of the 1,225 students expected, while adhering to Ebola prevention measures. Fifty-seven lay teachers and eight Salesians of Don Bosco had prepared to welcome their students, who arrived on time dressed in the regulation blue-and-white uniforms. In the general mechanics, automotive, electrical, and electronics workshops, everyone took their places among the machines, tools, and exercise books.
The return to school took place in relative calm. Relative, because Goma is a red zone, facing both a situation of war and a public health emergency caused by the Ebola virus. The topic of conversation in the schoolyard among teachers and parents remained the same: the possibility of completing the school year under favorable conditions.
In Goma, as throughout the eastern part of the country, life is not easy. The main difficulty for families today is managing their daily budgets. With rising prices for basic necessities and the cost of school supplies, preparing for the return to school has required considerable sacrifices from every family.
At the administrative level of ITIG, the Salesians of Don Bosco are doing their utmost, inspired by the same spirit as Don Bosco. This was clearly evident in the opening words of Fr. Mathias Amani, community rector and head of studies at the school. Addressing the students, he recalled the hallmarks of a Salesian school: a welcoming home, a school that prepares students for life, and a playground where friends can meet.
There will undoubtedly be regular communication with parents to find solutions that will enable the school year to be completed. The goal shared by the educational community remains clear: to ensure that economic and health difficulties do not become obstacles and to enable every student to attend classes without interruption.
Health prevention measures, particularly the hand-washing stations installed at the school entrance, have been incorporated into the daily routine to reduce the risk of an Ebola outbreak and maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone.
The teachers who have returned to the classroom have resumed normal delivery of the curriculum despite the environmental and security uncertainties affecting North Kivu Province. The determination of the students, dressed in blue and white, bodes well for a better future. Don Bosco and the Salesians will continue to watch over this ITIG educational community, which is determined to successfully complete the school year despite the difficulties.