Maputo, February 5, 2025 – Education authorities in Mozambique have confirmed that 88 schools in Cabo Delgado province will remain closed at the start of the 2025 school year due to persistent attacks by Islamist militants in the region.
The affected schools are located in the districts of Meluco, Ibo, Quissanga, Macomia, Ancuabe, and Mocímboa da Praia, where violent insurgent activities continue to pose a threat to students and teachers.
Despite these challenges, Rachide Sualehe, spokesperson for the Cabo Delgado Provincial Directorate of Education, highlighted significant progress, noting that 924 schools across the province are operational out of a total of 1,012.
Provincial Governor Valige Tauabo announced that 722,554 students have been enrolled at various educational levels for the current academic year, an increase from 709,362 last year. However, he acknowledged the challenges ahead, including the urgent need to rebuild 1,419 classrooms destroyed by Tropical Cyclone Chido.
The cyclone, which struck northern Mozambique in December, caused severe damage and claimed at least 94 lives in Cabo Delgado and Nampula provinces.
With efforts underway to restore normalcy in the education sector, authorities continue to monitor the security situation while prioritizing the reconstruction of infrastructure critical for learning.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
