The Mozambican Education Minister announced negotiations with local firms to print school textbooks domestically, aiming to resolve past distribution issues and errors in educational materials. Emphasis is placed on supporting national printing industries rather than foreign companies. Despite challenges, the government plans to improve textbook availability and distribution in the coming years.
The Mozambican Education Minister, Samaria Tovela, has announced initiatives to enhance the domestic production of school textbooks. The government is currently engaging with local companies to print educational materials intended for the public education system. This decision comes in response to past challenges, including significant distribution issues and errors in textbooks from 2022 in subjects such as Geography, Mathematics, and History.
To improve the situation, the Mozambican Association of Printing Industries (AIGM) is advocating for the government to prioritize national printing firms when awarding public tenders. Their aim is to support the local industry rather than relying on foreign companies, particularly those from Portugal. Despite the capability of local firms to print the textbooks, financial institutions have preferred international tenders, often resulting in contracts awarded to non-Mozambican companies.
Minister Tovela addressed reporters during a recent ceremony commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the Mozambican Women’s Organization (OMM). She emphasized that the process of printing textbooks domestically is set to commence within the year, aiming for a balance between quality and affordability. “We are discussing with the national companies in order to have a cost that our state can bear,” she stated.
The printing of textbooks is essential in preparation for the 2026 school year, with some materials expected to be produced locally this year. Regarding current textbook distribution, Tovela reported that 87 percent of necessary books have already been distributed, with plans to complete distribution by the end of March. However, challenges remain due to transportation disruptions caused by Cyclone Jude, which affected areas in Nampula. “We have a problem, because of the cyclone we had in Nampula, which cut the roads,” she mentioned, expressing the government’s commitment to resolve these issues through coordination with transport companies.
In summary, Mozambique’s Education Ministry underlines its commitment to improving the public education system through local textbook production. With intentions to begin domestic printing this year, the Ministry seeks to resolve past distribution issues and ensure accurate educational content. Despite challenges posed by natural disasters and financial constraints favoring international contractors, the government remains determined to enhance local capacities for future academic years.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
