IPS Launches Primary Education Project in São Tomé and Príncipe
The Polytechnic University of Setúbal (IPS) has launched a strategic six-month cooperation project designed to overhaul the quality of primary education in São Tomé and Príncipe. The initiative aims to bolster foundational learning in the African nation by targeting the critical early years of schooling.
Empowering the Next Generation
Focusing specifically on 1st and 2nd-grade levels, the project seeks to elevate basic education standards through intensive teacher training and the creation of specialized pedagogical materials. The curriculum development will center on two pillars of literacy: Portuguese language and Mathematics.
According to a statement from IPS, the initiative is part of the broader “Girls Empowerment and Quality Education for All” program. In partnership with Mundi Consulting, the university is developing educational resources tailored to the specific cultural, linguistic, and pedagogical landscape of São Tomé and Príncipe. These resources include comprehensive teacher guides, student workbooks, and advanced tools to monitor and support learning progress.
Building Sustainable Teaching Practices
A core component of the mission involves training sessions for local teachers, supervisors, and pedagogical advisors. By focusing on effective and inclusive teaching methods, the project aims to ensure that the improvements remain sustainable long after the initial six-month intervention concludes.
The first working mission is currently underway and is scheduled to run until October 23. During this period, the international team is conducting high-level meetings with education officials, hosting workshops with local educators, and visiting schools across the islands to assess real-world classroom needs.
A Legacy of Cooperation
The project is coordinated by the School of Education (ESE/IPS), an institution with a long history of educational outreach. The school has previously led international cooperation programs across several Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP), including Angola, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Through this latest partnership, the Polytechnic University of Setúbal continues to strengthen ties between Portugal and São Tomé and Príncipe, placing educational quality at the heart of the country’s development.
Image: Pexels – Kwaku Griffin
