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About five million Mozambican minors are outside the formal education system, according to a recent research conducted by two prominent NGOs, the Education for All Movement (MEPT) and Institute for Social and Economic Studies (IESE).

The data is particularly concerning for girls who become pregnant during their school years, as they often face barriers in reintegration into the education system. The Ministry of Education has mechanisms in place to address school dropouts, but gaps in implementation persist.

The lack of a specific legal instrument to allow for the reintegration of girls who have dropped out of school due to pregnancy is a significant issue. Isabel da Silva, MEPT Executive Coordinator, emphasized the need for a joint strategy involving the government, communities, school councils, and non-government partners to prevent more children from dropping out of school.

The research highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of school dropouts, including early marriage, artisanal mining, and informal trade. These activities compromise the development and limit future opportunities for affected children. Practitioners should monitor the government's response to this issue and advocate for policies that support the reintegration of girls into the education system.