Gingone Market, in the city
of Pemba, the provincial capital of Cabo Delgado in northern Mozambique, has
been a busy spot in recent days, with parents and guardians looking for school
supplies for the 2025 academic year.
The flow of buyers is
intense, as many seek to secure the necessary items for the start of the school
year, despite the challenges posed by rising prices of school supplies,
according to a reporter from Mozanorte.
The prices of school
materials, which were already challenging in previous years, have seen a
significant increase this year.
Parents and guardians report
that basic items, such as notebooks, have gone up in price compared to 2024. A
notebook, which was previously purchased for 120 meticais, now costs 150
meticais, and 40-page notebooks, which were sold for 50 meticais, are now being
sold for 70 meticais.
Despite this price hike,
parents feel compelled to ensure their children have the necessary school
supplies, recognizing the importance of education.
Awa and Fátima, two shoppers
at the market searching for materials, expressed their concerns about the price
increases. Both stated that this year’s situation is more challenging due to
the high costs but believe that as the school year approaches, prices may
decrease, allowing them to complete the list of materials for their children.
“It’s tough, but we have to
ensure our children’s education. We will come back next week to try and complete
what’s missing,” they said.
The reality at Gingone
Market reflects the difficulties that many parents and guardians face in ensuring
quality education for their children, especially in times of inflation and
rising living costs.
Despite the challenges, the
commitment to education remains strong, and parents continue searching for the
best options to ensure their children are ready for the new school year.
Those interviewed argue that
during this period, the government should intervene to regulate the prices of
school supplies to allow more children access to education, a fundamental right
for every citizen. (Sifa Artur)
For residents of northern
Mozambique (Nampula, Niassa, and Cabo Delgado), you can write to Mozanorte to
report, denounce, or share both the good and the bad about the places where you
live. Publishing your opinion is free of charge. Email: mozanorte@gmail.com
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