Thousands take national exams in Ebola-hit eastern DRC

Thousands of secondary school students in eastern DR Congo have completed their national examinations under strict Ebola prevention measures, as authorities sought to balance public health concerns with the need to keep education on track.

At examination centers in Bunia, candidates arriving for the four-day state examinations were required to wash their hands, undergo temperature checks, and follow strict hygiene protocols designed to prevent the spread of the deadly virus.

"We wash our hands when we arrive, everyone carries hand sanitizer, and we're seated apart from each other in the exam room," said Nyota Mokili, an exam candidate.

Despite the precautions, many students admitted they were anxious about gathering in large numbers during the Ebola outbreak. For Mokili, however, completing secondary school was a risk worth taking.

"I was afraid because we hear about people dying. Every day, when I wake up, I hear news of someone's death, and gathering in such large crowds scared me. But I followed the preventive measures and stayed focused on finishing my exams," she said.

School officials said health monitoring continued throughout the examinations. Any student showing possible Ebola symptoms was immediately isolated and referred for further medical assessment.

"One child had been looking after an ill mother showing Ebola symptoms, so we isolated him. Another developed a fever of 38 degrees during the examination. It was traumatic, but we managed the situation calmly," said examination center manager Jean-Baptiste Mbusa.

Education officials acknowledged that fears surrounding the outbreak kept some students away from the examination halls. However, absenteeism remained relatively low despite the circumstances.

"Some parents didn't want their children in gatherings for fear of the virus and kept them home," said Yvon Muke, Head of Education in Ituri Province. "But for the state examinations, the absentee rate was low. Only about five percent of candidates missed the exams, which is encouraging."

For thousands of students across Ituri Province, completing the examinations represented more than an academic achievement. It was a demonstration of resilience amid a deadly Ebola outbreak that authorities said was spreading faster than response efforts could contain.

Students who successfully pass the national examinations will qualify for university admission next year.