Financing for equity in primary and secondary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to schools
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
In Mozambique, the Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH) holds central responsibility for the allocation of the national education budget. The disbursement of funds from the central government to individual schools operates through a decentralised mechanism, engaging the Provincial Directorates of Education and Human Development. Pursuant to Ministerial Diploma 12/2019, these Provincial Directorates are mandated to prepare provincial budget proposals, execute approved budgets, and monitor the utilisation of education funds within their jurisdictions.
The central government channels education funds to the Provincial Directorates of Finance, which subsequently transfer resources to the Provincial Directorates of Education. These directorates then allocate funds to schools, with amounts typically determined by student enrolment figures.
This framework embodies a decentralised execution model, wherein budgetary authority remains centralised under MINEDH, while execution and oversight responsibilities are devolved to the provincial level to enhance local accountability and management capacity.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The Provincial Directorates of Finance are responsible for transferring funds to the Directorates of Education, which in turn transfer resources to schools. The directorates transfer resources to schools according to the number of students registered.
The main funding mechanism is the Education Sector Support Fund (Fundo de Apoio ao Sector da Educação - FASE), the main instrument for channelling external funds to the sector. The main funding allocations do not explicitly incorporate equity considerations.
2. Education resources to schools
Apoio Direto às Escolas (Direct Support to Schools)
Since 2004, the Direct Support to Schools (ADE) programme has provided school grants aimed at supplying basic educational materials. ADE seeks to strengthen school management by encouraging greater community and school council involvement in the utilisation of school resources. However, these grants are allocated on a per-capita basis and do not incorporate an equity dimension.
In 2015, through the Direct Support to Schools programme, additional resources were distributed to 12,000 schools across 23 districts with the highest prevalence of HIV, AIDS, and food insecurity. Allocations were calculated based on a fixed amount per student. Schools used these funds to procure basic school materials and, in some cases, uniforms and footwear for children from low-income families.
MINEDH has selected six districts from the North, Central, and Southern regions to pilot various performance and equity-based ADE allocation models in 2017. Performance indicators include the distance from district capitals, national exam results, and data from supervision visits regarding (i) functioning School Councils; (ii) transparency in ADE fund allocation and utilization; (iii) Director/Teacher absenteeism; and (iv) the teaching and learning process.
Resolution 40/2020 establishes the Strategy for Inclusive Education and Development of the Child with Disabilities. However, there is no available information regarding the allocation of resources to support the implementation of this strategy in disadvantaged schools or those serving target groups.
3. Education resources to students and families
No information was identified concerning the transfer of education resources directly to students or their families.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Basic Social Allowance Programme supports households headed by children, and orphaned children living in poor and vulnerable families. The National Strategy of Basic Social Security (2016-2024) recognises the continued implementation and expansion of free access to primary education as the principal social protection mechanism in the education sector.
However, there are currently no social protection programmes linked to education.
5. School meal programmes
Programa Nacional de Alimentação Escolar (PRONAE)
The National School Feeding Programme (PRONAE) delivers school meals to primary school students and has been operational since 2013 under the management of the National Directorate of Nutrition and School Health. The programme is geographically targeted to rural areas facing challenges related to school attendance and access to clean water. However, coverage is not universal, and the programme is funded by external donors. The 2020-2029 Strategic Education Plan includes an objective to expand the reach of PRONAE.
