Mozambique struggles with teacher shortage as schools reopen

These teachers will serve in the country’s primary and secondary schools.

For now, the country’s 160,000 teachers are carrying the load in many schools.

Government spokesperson and Minister of State Administration, Inocencio Impissa, acknowledged the problem, calling it a serious challenge.

Many teachers are already overworked, and unpaid overtime has sparked tensions. Last week, teachers at several schools refused to supervise exams, demanding long-overdue payments.

Newly appointed Education Minister Samaria Tovela, who took office on January 28, says she plans to meet with teachers to address the issue.

Despite the shortage, the government insists that schools will open on time. However, in some areas, like Maputo and Nampula, reopening may not be possible.

Several schools were damaged during protests in December when demonstrators, angry over the results of the October election, set classrooms, offices, and even libraries on fire.

School textbooks are however expected to arrive on time unlike in 2024 when many students had to wait until August for books, even though classes started in February.

This year, the Ministry of Education says textbooks will be available at the start of the school year, both in print and digital formats.

The government must wait for parliament to approve key policy documents before confirming recruitment numbers.

Source: Globals South World