Scandal of Errors in 5th Grade Books: A Crisis in Education in Mozambique

The scandal that broke in May 2022, involving serious errors in 5th grade textbooks, has become a hot topic on social media and in the media in Mozambique. Outraged parents and educators have come together to expose the flaws that compromise the quality of education offered to children, revealing a series of gaps in oversight and accountability in the country's education system.

At the time the errors were reported, the Ministry of Education and Culture was headed by then-Minister Carmelita Namashulua. The books, which were intended to be learning tools, contained factually incorrect information and printing errors that sparked a wave of criticism. Education experts questioned the effectiveness of the review and approval processes for the teaching materials, raising concerns about the quality of teaching and student development.

“How is it possible that such serious errors have gone unnoticed?” asked an educator in one of the social media posts. The general outrage was not limited to parents, but also extended to academics and education professionals, who called for an urgent review of quality control procedures in textbooks used in schools.

In the face of mounting pressure, the current Minister of Education, Samaria Tovela, was asked about the progress of the case and the lack of a clear outcome. In her response, Tovela stated that the matter had never reached her and that it was currently under the responsibility of the Public Prosecutor's Office. She emphasized the separation of responsibilities between the ministry and the public prosecutor's office, stating that the ministry's role is to ensure quality education, while criminal matters should be handled by other bodies.

“I am not the prosecutor’s office, the prosecutor’s office is the one that can give that answer. We are the Ministry of Education, our goal is to provide quality education. Criminal matters are the responsibility of the prosecutor’s office,” said Tovela, emphasizing the need for clear and efficient management of responsibilities.

The minister’s statements have provoked mixed reactions among citizens. Many have expressed frustration at the lack of action and transparency in the handling of the scandal. The sense of impunity, combined with the lack of a clear plan to correct the errors in the textbooks, has generated distrust in the education system. Experts have warned that the situation not only compromises the quality of education, but also affects the trust of parents and students in the system.

Furthermore, the crisis has highlighted the urgent need to review the processes for selecting and approving teaching materials, as well as implementing more rigorous oversight mechanisms. “The quality of education is fundamental to the country’s development,” said an education expert, stressing that public confidence in the system must be restored.

The continuation of this case and the actions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office will be crucial in determining the next steps. Pressure from civil society and parent groups has been mounting, demanding transparency and accountability in the education sector. The expectation is that the government will take concrete steps to address the problem of errors in textbooks and thus restore public confidence.

The scandal involving errors in 5th grade textbooks is not limited to editorial errors, but reflects deeper issues within Mozambique’s education system. The government’s response and the actions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office will be crucial to ensuring that children receive a quality education, free from errors that could compromise their learning and future.