The Teaching of Latin in Bandundu-Ville

Abstract

This article highlights the teaching of Latin in Bandundu-Ville, located in the west of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The teaching of Latin in this town is linked to evangelisation and the work of Catholic missionaries. Although considered a dead language, Latin remains a fundamental tool for linguistic, intellectual and cultural education in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, aimed at preparing pupils for higher and university education, and for various professional careers. A survey of 15 teachers reveals a contradiction, if not a paradox: whilst today’s teachers are better qualified than those of the 1980s and early 1990s (thanks, of course, to the establishment of the ISP Bandundu in the 1990s), the standard and performance of learners in Latin have declined considerably. The study outlines some of the causes of this underperformance.

Keywords: Teaching of Latin, Bandundu-Ville, decline in pupils’ standards, usefulness of Latin, documentation.

Received Date: June 19, 2026

Accepted Date: July 10, 2026

Published Date: August 01, 2026

Available Online at: https://www.ijsrisjournal.com/index.php/ojsfiles/article/view/813