On the International Day for the Protection of Education from Attack, the safety and protection of children and education personnel in schools in Mozambique remain a national priority in the face of ongoing conflicts and the increasing impact of climate change. Based on IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix data, over 600,000 people have been displaced due to conflict in Northern Mozambique, including more than 320,000 children, making the urgency for a collective and robust response greater than ever. Data estimates show that over 110,000 children are not attending school, highlighting the serious threats to their fundamental right to education. The challenges are compounded by frequent cyclical natural disasters, which further disrupt learning.
On the International Day for the Protection of Education from Attack, the safety and protection of children and education personnel in schools in Mozambique remain a national priority in the face of ongoing conflicts and the increasing impact of climate change. Based on IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix data, over 600,000 people have been displaced due to conflict in Northern Mozambique, including more than 320,000 children, making the urgency for a collective and robust response greater than ever. Data estimates show that over 110,000 children are not attending school, highlighting the serious threats to their fundamental right to education. The challenges are compounded by frequent cyclical natural disasters, which further disrupt learning.
Since the Government of Mozambique's adherence to the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) in 2015, education sector stakeholders, including local authorities and implementing partners, have been promoting the safeguarding of educational communities and schools as zones of peace and learning. This reflects a common understanding that ensuring a child's right to education is fundamental, especially during crises.
"Education is a fundamental right, and our work in Mozambique is a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting that right, even in the most challenging circumstances," Ilaria Manunza, Save the Children's Country Director in Mozambique.
This critical task is not the sole responsibility of a single entity but rather the result of a collaborative effort among civil society organisations, the humanitarian community, and the Government of Mozambique. This is evidenced by Save the Children's active participation in strategic forums, such as the Education Cluster, and an advocacy campaign that promotes a contextualised and locally relevant approach to the implementation of the SSD in Mozambique. Various education projects support children affected by crisis and displacement in Cabo Delgado, offering “Return to Learning” packages since the onset of emergencies. These include the creation of temporary learning spaces, enrolment campaigns, remedial and catch-up classes. In addition, inclusive school materials and kits are distributed to ensure access for all children, including girls and children with disabilities. The interventions also include teacher training, focusing on ensuring quality, inclusive education adapted to emergency contexts, allowing more and more children to have continuous access to basic and formal education.
Despite these significant achievements, challenges persist. The prolonged conflict in Cabo Delgado, the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters, and the freezing of international development aid continue to pose significant threats. Addressing these challenges requires continuous investment and sustained collaboration. It is a collective determination that will guide us to ensure that all children in Mozambique can learn in a safe and protected environment, with a future full of opportunities.
