Mozambique’s education landscape is facing turbulence as the National Association of Teachers (ANAPRO) declares their intention to boycott the commencement of the 2024 school year. The threat stems from the teachers’ demand for the payment of overdue overtime, adding to the tumult in the nation’s education sector.
ANAPRO asserts that over 13 months of overtime pay are outstanding, with Education Minister Carmelita Namashalua being accused of deception regarding the payments. The discontent has spilled onto the streets of Maputo and Matola, with protesting teachers demanding their rights and improved working conditions.
ANAPRO’s chairperson, Isac Marengula, highlighted the frustration among teachers, stating, “We are fed up with humiliation.” He further warned that unless their demands are met, teachers nationwide will abstain from participating in the school year’s commencement ceremonies.
The demonstration faced initial opposition from the police, but after negotiations, it proceeded under police protection, amplifying the gravity of the situation. The Education Ministry’s spokesperson, Manuel Simbine, attributed the failure to compensate teachers for overtime to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Simbine maintained the Ministry’s stance that payments are gradually being disbursed, emphasizing that new staff hiring is on track for the upcoming school year. However, the commencement of the school year comes amid challenges, as the enrollment for first grade fell short of expectations, raising concerns about children being left out of the education system.
While the official enrollment period has concluded, Simbine assured that exceptions would be made for parents who missed the deadline, aiming to ensure that no child is excluded from schooling. This development has created a ripple effect, prompting widespread concern about the state of education in Mozambique.
As the nation stands at the brink of a new academic year, the unresolved standoff between teachers and the government presents a critical juncture for Mozambique’s education system. The implications of this conflict stretch far beyond the immediate concerns of overtime pay, casting a shadow over the country’s commitment to providing quality education for all its children.
