RE-OPENING OF SCHOOLS IN PALMA DISTRICT, CABO DELGADO PROVINCE, MOZAMBIQUE

Today, 31 January 2022, the government of Mozambique officially re-opened Primary schools in Palma district.

The ceremony was held in Palma town, Quilaua village at 16 de Junho de Palma - Escola Primaria. This decision to reopen schools comes after years of their closure due to the insurgency in Cabo Delgado province.

Around 650 students enrolled in 11 schools in different areas of Palma district. The registered students in Palma district are 4500 including those in IDPs.

The guest of honor at the event was Mayor of Palma, Mr Joao Agustinho BUCHILI who spoke on behalf of the government of Mozambique. The Mayor thanked the Rwanda and Mozambique Security Forces for successfully dislodging and defeating the insurgents and bringing back security and life to the people of Cabo Delgado. He further requested parents to send their children to schools.

The event was attended by Rwanda Security Forces and Host Nation forces, Director of education in Palma district Mr. Jules Pedro Njombe, school head master Albert Enric, 2 staff of UNICEF and journalits from Rwanda.

UNICEF is distributing books, pens and pencils but there are a number of challenges of absence of teaching staff, the lack of appropriate infrastructure, furniture and other school materials.