In 2025, the Ministry of Education (ME) will prioritise strengthening literacy and numeracy in schools, as many students still struggle with reading comprehension by the third year.
Minister of Education Dulce Soares de Jesus said that many third-year students are still unable to read properly, making it even more difficult for them to catch up in the future. This demonstrates that students have yet to master basic competencies.
“In 2025, we will prioritise literacy and numeracy in schools to ensure that students can read and comprehend properly, as many third-year students still face difficulties with reading,” she said.
She explained that when students reach the third year without mastering reading skills, it has a significant impact on their ability to catch up in the future.
“It becomes difficult for them to understand advanced and abstract concepts in higher grades,” she added.
She emphasised the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable education opportunities and implementing all necessary interventions to guarantee student outcomes. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge existing problems and work together to find solutions.
“There are many problems, but if we do not discuss them, we will not find solutions. That is why we must meet with all teachers nationwide to share information and exchange ideas on this matter,” she stated.
She also said that, to address these issues in 2025 effectively, it is necessary to adopt a strategic approach, including conducting study visits to well-functioning schools and increasing professional training opportunities for teachers and school administrators at both the national and international levels.
Meanwhile, Member of Parliament, António Verdial de Sousa said that progress in the education sector must begin by addressing these fundamental issues.
“We must start making improvements now, especially by providing quality professional training for teachers so they can effectively teach students. This way, by the third year, students will already have mastered reading,” he said.He also called for the completion of school infrastructure, especially the provision of books and classroom furniture, as there are still schools where students are forced to sit on the ground due to the lack of desks.
