Angolan Students and Educators Demand Government Action

In Angola, a growing movement of students and teachers is pressuring the government to address significant deficiencies in the education system. The Angolan Student Movement (MEA) has accused the government, led by President Joao Lourenco, of neglecting the needs of young people, highlighting rising tuition fees and a severe lack of essential educational resources.

MEA has asserted that the current state of Angola's education system is dire, with many schools lacking basic furniture, teaching materials, and adequate sanitation facilities. The organization has warned that if the situation does not improve, there could be substantial political repercussions.

Despite government claims that opposition groups control the movement, protests have surged across the nation. In May 2025, thousands of students demonstrated for better educational conditions, leading to violent responses from security forces, resulting in injuries and arrests.

As the 2025-26 school year commences, around 10 million new students face many of the same challenges from previous years, including insufficient school supplies and a shortage of teachers. It has been reported that in several areas, including the capital Luanda, students are forced to sit on the ground due to a lack of desks and chairs. Some children have resorted to finding shade under trees during lessons.

Criticism of the Education Minister, Luisa Maria Alves Grilo, has intensified, with many asserting that her leadership has not led to any meaningful improvements over the past year. While Grilo maintains that the government is actively seeking solutions and has allocated significant funds for educational development, many remain skeptical of the results.

In a recent address, President Lourenco pledged to bolster the education sector with an investment of EUR424 million over the next two years. He assured that the funds would not only focus on constructing new schools but would also be directed toward enhancing teacher training.

The ruling MPLA party, which has been in power for five decades, is increasingly concerned that the student-led protests could evolve into a broader movement with significant political implications, especially with elections scheduled for 2027.

The MEA has expressed its determination to continue advocating for change, with plans for further protests in the pipeline. The organization emphasizes that the current state of education represents a systemic issue, with political elites allegedly benefiting from an uneducated populace.

In addition to the lack of infrastructure, students are also facing challenges such as inadequate teaching materials. Reports indicate that no educational books have been distributed for two years, despite allocated funds intended for this purpose.

Additionally, students are going without meals during school hours, significantly impacting their ability to learn effectively. Angola also faces a teacher shortage, with official estimates indicating a need for over 86,000 additional educators. Many students are advancing through the education system without receiving proper instruction in critical subjects.

Ademar Jinguma, the secretary-general of the teachers' union, has voiced support for the students' demands, noting that teachers themselves are struggling with overcrowded classrooms and insufficient pay. He warned that a nationwide strike could be on the horizon if conditions do not improve. Jinguma criticized government spending priorities, pointing out that funds could be better allocated to education rather than lavish events.

The concerns surrounding Angola's education system have sparked discussions across civil society, religious organizations, and opposition groups, all calling for urgent reforms. As the situation develops, it remains uncertain whether the government will take decisive action or if protests will escalate further.