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The Minister of Education, Luísa Grilo, has announced that beginning in January of next year, Angola will place 1,100 virtual schools into operation across the country. The initiative, which includes the installation of virtual classrooms, is part of a broader strategy to modernize the national education system and ensure greater flexibility and accessibility for students and teachers alike.
The minister explained that the rollout will extend well beyond pilot locations such as Namibe and Quilamba. “We believe that starting in January we will begin distributing the remaining classrooms. We will have 1,100 schools operating from January onwards, not just in Namibe and Quilamba,” she said. Luísa Grilo confirmed that the project’s implementation is fully secured. According to the minister, contracts have already been signed and funding is guaranteed, with only the arrival of equipment pending before deployment can begin. “The schools have been identified throughout the country, and we will then be able to work in an articulated way with all of them,” she added.
The virtual school’s initiative is designed to strengthen digital education, allowing students and teachers to access online learning platforms, virtual classes, videoconferences, and digital teaching materials, without relying solely on traditional physical infrastructure. Quoted by Angop, the minister reiterated that the distribution of equipment will begin in January, ensuring what she described as a “more modern, flexible, and accessible education.”
Addressing the 2025/2026 national exams, scheduled to begin in June next year, Luísa Grilo acknowledged existing challenges in hard-to-reach regions. However, she emphasized the coordinated effort between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Telecommunications, Information Technologies and Social Communication to expand internet access at exam centers.
“We want no region to be left behind. The directors will identify the centers and, according to the needs, we will request support to ensure connectivity,” she stated.
The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to inclusive education, highlighting continued support for students with visual and hearing impairments. Resources such as Braille exams and adapted assessments for deaf students will remain in place, building on successful experiences from previous years. “We are used to working with students with visual and hearing impairments. We need to improve teacher training for mastery of Braille and ensure adequate assessments,” she noted.
Luísa Grilo underlined the importance of national exams as a key mechanism for evaluating the effectiveness of the education system. “Everything new causes apprehension, but teachers will be trained. External evaluation is essential for us to know if the system is working,” she said.
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Echoing this sentiment, Ricardo Cauica Ferreira, Director of the Provincial Education Office in Lunda Norte, stressed the importance of preparation at every stage. “Each phase requires preparation, but we are focused on ensuring that the process proceeds rigorously and smoothly,” he affirmed. Together, the launch of virtual schools, expanded digital access, and strengthened exam systems mark a significant step toward transforming Angola’s education landscape.
