The Government of Mozambique has identified poor internet connectivity and persistent regional inequalities as the main barriers to the expansion of distance learning in the country, despite progress in improving the quality of this modality.
“Regional inequalities in access to distance learning persist, along with the need for greater teacher training and the modernization of digital platforms,” said Secretary of State for Science and Higher Education Edson Macuácua at the opening of the African Meeting on Distance Learning, which began on Monday, August 15, and will conclude on Wednesday in Maputo.
The official also highlighted other challenges, such as connectivity difficulties, limited updating of materials, weak technological skills among some students, and long distances to resource centers. These factors, he emphasized, continue to hinder the full development of distance learning in Mozambique.
Despite these difficulties, Edson Macuácua underscored the strategic role of this modality in expanding access to quality higher education. He recalled that the number of students enrolled in distance learning increased from 52,300 in 2003 to 117,600 in 2018, demonstrating a significant growth in demand.
He also highlighted the progress made in ensuring quality, mentioning the accreditation of 18 institutions and the validation of 106 courses. These advances result from the implementation of the quality framework and specific regulations approved by national authorities. To address current challenges, Mozambique approved the Distance Education Strategy 2023-2032 in 2023. The document aims to promote a more open, flexible, modern, and inclusive learning environment, reinforcing the importance of this modality for the future of higher education in the country.
Source: Lusa
