Helping children in Zambézia build stronger reading and numeracy skills
"Now we have learned techniques that help every child participate actively, especially those who struggle with reading or mathematics."
DERRE, Mozambique – In a Grade 1 classroom at Machindo Basic School in Derre District, Zambézia Province, teacher Mateus Filipe watches closely as his pupils practise reading aloud.
For many children in the first years of primary school, reading a simple sentence or solving a basic mathematics exercise can be a challenge. Some children keep up quickly. Others need more time, more encouragement and different ways of learning.
As both a Grade 1 teacher and first cycle coordinator, Mateus supports other teachers working with children in Grades 1 to 3. His role is to help strengthen teaching in the early years of primary education, when children build the foundations they need for future learning.
In March 2026, Mateus joined first cycle coordinators from 15 schools in Derre District for a specialized training on foundational literacy and numeracy. The training focused on practical methods to improve reading, writing and basic mathematics among young learners.
“Before, many teachers relied mostly on the pupils’ books and teachers’ guides, repeating the same approach every year,” Mateus says. “Some children were left behind because they could not follow the pace of the lesson.”
During the training, coordinators learned more about child-centred teaching approaches, phonics-based reading instruction, classroom interaction, continuous assessment and ways to support children who are struggling. They also strengthened their skills in observing lessons and mentoring teachers.
“Now we have learned techniques that help every child participate actively, especially those who struggle with reading or mathematics,” Mateus says.
After the training, the coordinators returned to their schools with new tools to support teachers in the classroom. Through regular follow-up, lesson observation and mentoring, they are helping schools create more supportive learning environments for young children.
For children in Derre, these changes can make a real difference. Stronger teaching in the early grades can help children read with more confidence, take part more actively in class and build the skills they need to continue learning.
The training is part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Education and Culture, with support from UNICEF, to strengthen foundational learning in Mozambique. By investing in first cycle coordinators, schools are building a stronger support system for teachers and helping more children acquire essential literacy and numeracy skills at the right age.
For Mateus, the goal is simple: to ensure that every child in his classroom has the chance to learn.
UNICEF supported the Ministry of Education and Culture to train first cycle coordinators in foundational literacy and numeracy with generous support from the Japanese Committee for UNICEF.
