MOZAMBIQUE OFFICE

On June 23^rd 2021, KOICA Mozambique and UNICEF concluded an agreement on an additional contribution of $7 million to UNICEF to improve the quality of education in the provinces of Zambezia and Nampula. The contribution follows the first phase of the programme that has been implemented from 2016 until April 2021, entitled Improving quality of primary education and student learning outcomes in Zambezia. The first phase was valued at $6.9 million.

The announcement was made during an official ceremony in Maputo, attended by senior government official representatives from the Ministry of Education and Human Development, Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Mozambique, Sung Jun Yeo, the Country Director of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Mr Young-Sun Jung and UNICEF Representative, Ms Maria Luisa Fornara.

Ambassador Sung Jun Yeo expressed his contentment with KOICA’s further collaboration with UNICEF to improve the equity and quality of education. “Korea is famous for its rapid economic growth in a short period and I believe this was possible due to Koreans’ fervor for education. Investment to education leads not only to an individual success but also to national development,” he said.

The Country Director of KOICA, Mr. Young-Sun Jung, mentioned that “KOICA hopes that the project will contribute to improving all children’s access to school so that nothing can hinder their right to learn.” Also, he added that “This contribution will ensure that more children get into school, teachers’ skills in teaching are improved and that children have access to water and sanitation for them to stay in school.”

In acknowledging the contribution, the Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Maria Luisa conveyed her gratitude to the Republic of Korea for its continued commitment to the education of children in Mozambique. “We appreciate this steadfast partnership that continues to grow. Today’s contribution will enable us to scale up the gains we have already made with the first investment in Zambezia with the objective to expand our programme to Nampula province to ensure that more children gain access to primary education”, said Ms Maria Luisa Fornara when acknowledging the contribution.

The new project will contribute to improving the skills of 1,400 of teachers and school directors benefitting an estimated 220,000 students, provide access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene services for over 17,500 students and ensuring that schools are safe from Covid-19.

The Ministries of Education and Public Works, Housing and Water Resources and other government entities at the central, provincial and district levels will be the partners who will execute the programme in three districts of Zambezia and three districts of Nampula. UNICEF will provide additional $500,000 to the programme.

KOICA will also disburse another $500,000 for results-based management of the project, in order to ensure that it is implemented in the most optimal way, so as to enhance quality and equity.