ALE Country Profile
Angola
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Adult Learning and Education (ALE) implementation is led by the Ministry of Education (MED), in coordination with local administrations, Civil Society Organisations, and International partners. It is governed by Presidential Decree No. 70/25 (March 20, 2025). The Ministry supervises the National Directorate for Youth and Adult Education.
In Angola youth education is seen as integral part of ALE and id often referred to as Youth and Adult Education (YAE) Some other ministries that are also conducting YAE are:
- Ministry of Public Administration, Labour and Social Security (MAPTSS)
- Links Education with vocational training.
- Technical training centres.
- Ministry of Youth and Sports (MINJUD)
- Mobilizes youth participation in education and training programs.
- Promotes social inclusion and active citizenship.
- Ministry of Social Action, Family and Women’s Promotion (MASFAMU)
- Education for women and vulnerable populations, especially in rural areas.
- Supports gender-equity and literacy initiatives.
- Ministry of Territorial Administration (MAT)
- Territorial implementation of YAE programs.
- Coordinates with provincial and municipal governments for national coverage.
ALE is recognized as a strategic instrument for promoting citizenship, reducing illiteracy, and ensuring lifelong learning. The Action Plan for Intensifying Literacy and Youth and Adult Education 2019-2022 (EJA Angola) was approved by Presidential Decree No. 257/19 (12/08/19). It outlines five priorities:
- Functional Literacy – Reading, writing, and arithmetic skills Integrated with practical daily knowledge.
- Basic Education for Adults – Equivalency to primary and secondary education, emphasising educational reintegration.
- Educator Training – Continuous professional development of YAE facilitators and technicians.
- Adapted Teaching Materials – The creation and distribution of locally contextualised teaching and learning content.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Establishment of performance indicators and impact measurement for the system.
Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)
CSOs play a vital role in supporting Angola’s ALE policy through community mobilisation, implementation of plans, and citizenship promotion. Some key partners include:
- ADRA – Action for Rural Development and Environment
- AAEA – Angolan Association for Adult Education
- ADPP – Development Aid from People to People
- Don Bosco Angola
Churches and religious organisations also play a key role as does the Angolan Education for all Network that brings together key social actors in the area of Education.
Some notable companies from the private sector that contribute to ALE are CARMON and CONDURIL (in the construction sector), SOGESTER (transport sector), and the Art and Culture Foundation from the culture sector.
A List of Key Approaches to ALE in the Country
Programme | Organisation | Information | Target Group | Status | Recognition |
Yes, I can | Cuban Government | Audiovisual, 13-week Community-based | Illiterate Adults | Active nationwide | Integrated in ALE Plan’ UNESCO Award |
APLICA REFLECT | AAEA | Learning circles, contextual content | Vulnerable communities | Pilot projects | Recognised as innovative |
Alfalit | ADPP Angola | Functional Literacy, rural focus | Women, farmers | Active via ADPP | Referenced in ALE and other plans |
Learn to Read | PMI Angola | Basic Literacy with math and civil registration | Children, youth, adults | Active in Luanda | Supported by Ministry of Education |
Don Bosco (Salesians) | Catholic Church | Traditional approach with pastoral support | Urban youth and adults | Active in several provinces | Recognized educational partner |
Salesians | Local CSOs and churches | Community Literacy for rural Women | Rural Women | Partially active | Recognized in municipal actions |
Challenges
- Insufficient Funding
- Less than 1% of the national Education budget is allocated to ALE, limiting programme expansion and training of educators.
- Educator Training and Recognition
- Many facilitators lack formal pedagogical training and career incentives have been suspended since 2020.
- Inadequate Infrastructure
- Community schools and literacy centres often have poor physical conditions, especially in rural areas.
- Access Inequality
- Remote populations, women, ex-combatants, and persons with disabilities still face many barriers to participation.
- High Dropout Rates
- Economic pressures and lack of family support contribute to dropout rates.
- Weak Interministerial Coordination
- Limited collaboration among ministries hampers Integrated policy execution.
- Data Deficiency
- Inadequate educational statistics hinder performance tracking and evidence-based decision-making.
Absence of a long-term ALE policy with clear goals and sustained funding is an obstacle to sustainability in the sector. ALE has low visibility compared to other sub-sectors of education. Lack of integration of ALE with the labour market is another barrier as is the lack of ALE-related programmes in Angolan universities.
National Strategy for ALE
Angola’s National Strategy for Youth and Adult Education is enshrined in the Legal Framework of the Adult Education Subsystem, approved by Presidential Decree No. 70/25 (March 20, 2025). The strategy aims to:
- Ensure lifelong learning rights
- Promote social inclusion
- Combat Functional illiteracy
It aligns with Agenda 2030 and the CONFINTEA VII commitments enshrined in the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA).
A Brighter Future for ALE
Education for Youths and Adults (EJA) Angola Plan 2019–2022 – Operational guide outlining concrete actions in the sector.
- National Directorate for Youth and Adult Education – Technical body for curriculum and supervision of the sector.
- Partnerships with CSOs and International Cooperation – Technical and financial support from national and international stakeholders.
For any corrections or additional information, please contact: info@mojaafrica.net
