Deadline: 10-Apr-2026
UNICEF is leading efforts to expand access to quality education in Mozambique through digital learning solutions for children and youth. The initiative targets low school completion rates, out-of-school children, and learning poverty, especially in conflict- and disaster-affected regions, using scalable digital platforms like Learning Passport and Maza.
Overview of the Initiative
UNICEF, in collaboration with Mozambique’s Ministry of Education and partners, is promoting innovative digital learning solutions to improve access to quality education. The program addresses structural challenges in the education system, including low primary school completion rates, widespread learning poverty, and high numbers of out-of-school children, particularly in rural and northern regions.
Focus Areas
The initiative focuses on:
- General education development and quality improvement
- Increasing learning outcomes for children and youth
- Expanding educational opportunities for out-of-school children
- Supporting inclusive and safe learning environments
- Strengthening teacher and facilitator capacities
- Promoting digital literacy and skills linked to earning opportunities
Challenges Addressed
Mozambique’s education system faces multiple barriers:
- Low primary school completion rates and learning poverty
- High numbers of out-of-school children, especially ages 6–18
- Structural and cultural barriers in rural and northern regions
- Disruption from conflict, particularly in Cabo Delgado and surrounding provinces
- Climate-related disasters such as cyclones
- Increased risks including early marriage, recruitment by armed groups, and psychosocial distress
- Fragile and under-resourced education systems
Digital Learning Solutions
Key digital platforms and tools include:
- Learning Passport: Provides continuous access to online and offline educational content
- Maza Application: Offers interactive learning and skill-building for adolescents and youth
- Blended Learning Approaches: Combines in-school, community, and remote digital learning
- Platforms support primary education, skill development, and pathways from learning to earning opportunities
Implementation Strategies
The program emphasizes:
- Reaching children in schools, community learning spaces, and remote areas
- Building awareness among communities about the importance of education for both girls and boys
- Strengthening capacities of teachers and facilitators
- Establishing safe and inclusive learning environments
- Community engagement, school preparation, and implementation of digital learning centres
- Ongoing monitoring and evaluation to track progress and improve outcomes
Expected Results
The initiative aims to achieve:
- Increased community awareness and engagement in education
- Higher enrolment and retention of out-of-school children in safe learning spaces
- Improved skills among educators, facilitators, and communities
- Expanded access to blended digital learning across schools and remote areas
- Stronger pathways for youth to transition into income-generating opportunities
- Effective and efficient management to sustain and scale the initiative across affected regions
Why This Initiative Matters
The program addresses urgent educational inequities in Mozambique, especially in regions affected by conflict and natural disasters. By leveraging digital learning, UNICEF seeks to ensure continuity of education, build community resilience, and empower children and youth with skills for future opportunities, while promoting inclusive and safe learning environments.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing solely on in-school children without addressing out-of-school populations
- Neglecting teacher and facilitator capacity building
- Failing to include community engagement or awareness activities
- Ignoring monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement measures
- Limiting digital solutions to online-only platforms without offline accessibility
FAQs
1. Who benefits from the initiative? Children and youth, including out-of-school populations in rural, conflict-affected, and disaster-prone regions of Mozambique.
2. Which regions are prioritized? Northern provinces, particularly Cabo Delgado and surrounding areas affected by conflict and displacement.
3. What digital platforms are used? Learning Passport and Maza application, supporting online and offline learning.
4. How does the program support teachers? Through capacity building, training, and resources for delivering blended digital learning.
5. What types of outcomes are expected? Improved enrolment, retention, learning outcomes, community awareness, and youth pathways to income-generating opportunities.
6. Are offline learning modalities supported? Yes, digital solutions are designed to be accessible both online and offline.
7. How is impact measured? Through ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of digital learning strategies and community engagement.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s Mozambique Digital Learning Initiative 2026 provides a scalable, flexible, and inclusive approach to addressing educational inequities. By integrating digital solutions, community engagement, and capacity building, the program aims to expand access, improve learning outcomes, and create pathways for youth empowerment in vulnerable and underserved regions.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.