Enhancing Teachers' Resilience and Well-being in Disaster-Prone Areas of Mozambique

Introduction

This project, supported by the Regional Teachers Initiative for Africa (RTIA) Facility, aims at strengthening the resilience of the education system in the disaster-prone districts of Namacurra, Nicoadala, and Mocuba, by improving teacher integration, retention, and career progression , as well as by supporting their professional development and psychosocial well-being. 

Mozambique is highly vulnerable to natural disasters. Cyclones, floods, and droughts frequently impact its population and infrastructure. The education sector in the province of Zambézia faces severe impacts from cyclone Idai (2019) and Freddy (2023), which destroyed over 6 000 classrooms and disrupted education for more than 565 000 pupils and 4 337 teachers. The district of Namacurra alone saw 2 549 classrooms destroyed, underscoring the urgent need for support to affected schools and educators.

The programme seeks to assist 900 in-service teachers from 60 primary schools (impacting approximately 48 000 students), 320 students from the Teacher Training Institute, 60 school councils and 120 primary school managers in the three regions.

Objectives

• Overall Objective: Strengthen the resilience of the education system in the disaster-prone districts of Namacurra, Nicoadala, and Mocuba.
• Improve teacher integration, retention, and career progression in disaster-prone zones.
• Support professional development and psychosocial well-being of in-service and in-training teachers.

Project activities

• Establish Disaster Risk Management Structures​: Set up School-Based Disaster Risk Management Committees (SBDRMCs) and create school emergency plans.
• Strengthen Teacher Capacities​: Train teachers in disaster preparedness, adaptive teaching methods, IT and green skills, and psychosocial support.
• Promote Peer and Psychosocial Support​: Create teacher self-help groups and establish long-term psychosocial support mechanisms in schools.
• Mobilise and Empower Communities​: Engage local communities to support teacher relocation, integration, and education recovery after disasters.

(Expected) results

• Improved Teacher Deployment & Retention: Assignment of teachers to disaster-prone areas is maintained (with a focus on female teachers). Teacher allocation and career progression plans are revitalised.
• Enhanced Working & Living Conditions: Teachers receive adequate logistical support and protective measures to ensure smooth settlement, especially in crisis zones.
• Strengthened Community Support Systems: Host communities and school-based self-help groups support teacher well-being and education continuity during crises.
• Boosted Professional Development & Resilience: Teachers are equipped with skills in DRM , adaptive and digital pedagogy, and green education. Teachers and pre-service students are trained to provide psychosocial support, improving both teacher and student resilience.

Key info

• Project Duration: 24 months
• Location: Mozambique - Zambezia Province
• Implementing Partners: Expertise France, ADPP Mozambique, Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH), National Institute for Disaster Management (INGD), District Services for Health, Women, and Social Action (SDSMAS), Teacher Training Institute (TTI)