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
The education system in Cabo Verde is centralised, with the Ministry of Education playing a key role, especially in budget allocation. Education Delegations are territory-based services responsible for operationalising national policies, providing guidance, coordination, and monitoring of schools, supporting the educational community, and ensuring coordination with local authorities and other partner services in the educational process.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
The main funding mechanism for transferring funds from the central government to the local level is through transfers to the Ministry of Education’s delegations, whose norms and organization are established by Decree 2/2019. However, no evidence was found that an equity dimension is considered in the allocation of these funds.
2. Education resources to schools
Special Education
The educational system is administered by the Ministry of Education, specifically through its National Directorate of Education, which encompasses a Nucleus for Special Education and Inclusive Education. At the local level, the implementation of educational policies is overseen by educational delegations within the 22 municipalities.
Special education services are provided through Multifunctional Resource Rooms (SRMF) that offer support to the entire educational community. These rooms include multidisciplinary teams of psychologists, educators, and sociologists who assist teachers in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), guide families, and ensure quality education for all students.
3. Education resources to students and families
Ação Social Escolar (School Social Action)
The School Social Action is managed by the Cape Verdean Foundation for School Social Action (FICASE), which is primarily financed by foreign governments and other donors. According to the 2023 state budget framework report, the programme aims to provide school meals, support school transportation, supply school materials, and assist students with accommodation, food, and textbooks in student residences. It also supports the printing and distribution of textbooks at affordable prices nationwide and offers scholarships for secondary school students. Transfers to students and households are poverty-based, with priority given to those registered in the Single Social Registry (Cadastro Social Único) for school transportation support.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Abono de família (Family Allowance)
The National Social Security Institute (INPS) provides the family allowance (abono de família) to help families cover costs of supporting and educating children and youth with recognized social protection rights. Families with youth aged 16 to 25 must submit proof of school or university enrollment and annual academic progress. According to Law 131/2001, benefit eligibility depends on the family’s income level. Resolution No. 89/2016 created an interministerial group to design and monitor the Programme to Guarantee Access to Income, Education, Care, and Health, aiming to reduce inequality and poverty by increasing income for vulnerable groups. Key components include indirect transfers to families, municipal contracts to provide medical care and medication under the non-contributory system, and guaranteed preschool access for low-income children. In 2017, the Single Social Registry (Cadastro Social Único)was established as the central database for vulnerable families receiving social transfers.
5. School meal programmes
National School Feeding Programme (PNAE)
School feeding in Cape Verde has steadily improved since 1979. Since 2001, the Cape Verdean Foundation for School Social Action (FICASE) and its partners have expanded the programme’s reach. Between 2010 and 2015, management of the school feeding programme transitioned from the World Food Programme (WFP) to national authorities.
The National School Feeding and Health Programme (PNASE), established by Law No. 89/VII/2015, aligns school feeding and health policies, setting standards for nutritional needs and meal quality. Pre-school institutions run by NGOs and religious groups also benefit from PNASE.
According to the 2023 State Budget Framework Report, the Social Protection programme aims to increase school canteen coverage to 95% by 2026.
