RELATIONS BETWEEN EDUCATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN MOZAMBIQUE

Abstract

The word relation suggests a connection, link or bond between one thing and another. In this specific case, this communication proposal intends to discuss the nature of the relationship between education research and socio-economic development from Mozambique. Since independence in 1975, education in Mozambique has been at the top of Governance priorities. Education is seen by the Mozambican government “as a human right and a key instrument for the consolidation of peace, national unity and for the country’s economic, social and political development through the formation of citizens with high self-esteem and patriotic spirit” (Plano Estratégico da Educação 2012, 11). In order for education to assume this role, research in this area is fundamental and can be pursued in two ways: one conducted by government agencies, which serves to evaluate the education system and verify what needs to be improved in terms of infrastructure and teacher training, and the other, carried out by researchers and professionals of education, concerning the production of theoretical knowledge that is applied in the various situations of the educational process. However, both ways are interdependent. This communication will focus on the second path, seeking to reflect around issues such as: what is research in education and what does it consist of or how is it done? What are we talking about when we refer to socio-economic development, in the particular case of Mozambique? When did education and socio-economic development come to be thought of as interconnected and/or interdependent concepts? How can research in education contribute to the development of Mozambique? These questions will be answered based on an analysis of the literature on the subject.