Africa-Press – Cape verde. While PAICV parliamentary leader Clóvis Silva highlighted signs of declining educational quality that, in his view, require urgent responses, MpD representative José Eduardo Moreno presented a positive assessment, highlighting advances such as curriculum reform and a reduction in school dropout rates.
These positions were expressed today during the press conference assessing the parliamentary proceedings.
“If we look at Cape Verde and the entire progress we’ve made to date, there are some phenomena that concern us, including the decline in educational quality. It’s not normal for a child in fourth or fifth grade to have difficulty reading, and we’ve identified this,” said Clóvis Silva in his speech.
Clóvis Silva added that the reduction in class sizes in several school groups is another indicator that the sector is facing challenges. “It’s not normal, for example, for schools to see a reduction in the number of classes, up to 13 fewer. This is happening in Tarrafala, Santiago Norte, Santa Catarina, and also in Praia. All of this shows that something is wrong, and we must be prepared,” he warned.
“If we oversee a sector like education, which is essential and a pillar for keeping our state functioning properly, we need to have answers. These issues affect students, teachers, and, of course, our communities.”
The MpD, meanwhile, highlighted progress such as the strengthening of the school system, with more than 350 schools rehabilitated and modernized, and the remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms in around 60 elementary schools, with the support of the Luxembourg Cooperation.
“The school system is in much better condition today than in 2016, when the situation was one of widespread degradation,” he emphasized.
José Eduardo Moreno noted that textbooks are being made available in both print and digital formats, with 10th-grade textbooks almost ready, 11th-grade textbooks available in December, and 12th-grade textbooks between February and March 2026. Furthermore, he continued, school cafeterias and transportation are operating normally throughout the country.
Regarding teacher development, the representative emphasized that the new Position, Function, and Remuneration Plan (PCFR) has brought updated salaries, effective promotions, and created “a climate of trust and motivation among teachers,” with the new salaries being paid since September.
Moreno also emphasized the increase in the number of scholarships from 2,500 to 4,200 university students, the doubling of merit scholarships, and the implementation of measures such as restricting cell phone use in elementary school classrooms to promote greater discipline and better learning.
“The 2026 State Budget reinforces the commitment to continued investment, transparency, and quality education. The Education sector will see a 5.9% increase compared to 2025, rising from 12.8 billion escudos to 13.6 billion escudos, or 4.2% of the national GDP,” he said.
For More News And Analysis About Cape verde Follow Africa-Press
