Mozambique faces questions over millions of children out of school
Millions of children are not in school in Mozambique, raising concerns about the quality of education and future competencies.
An estimated five million children are currently out of Mozambique's education system, according to reports from the Movement for Education For All (MEPT). This figure highlights a significant gap between students entering primary school and those who progress to higher levels, indicating a substantial loss within the educational journey.
The reasons cited for this widespread absence from school include poverty, early marriages, teenage pregnancies, artisanal mining, and other economic activities that lead to student dropout. These factors prevent children from not only attending school but also from acquiring meaningful skills and knowledge for life.
The situation prompts a critical examination of the education system, questioning whether enrollment and classroom attendance translate into actual learning and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The focus is shifting from merely counting students to assessing their capacity to apply what they learn in a rapidly changing world.
Why it mattersMillions of Mozambican children are affected by being out of school, hindering their ability to learn and develop life skills.