By João Vissesse
ACI Africa, May 8, 2025 / 09:00 am
The formal education of children should be prioritized in Angola, Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the country’s Diocese of Caxito has told parents, guardians, and the government of the southern African nation.
In his homily during a pastoral visit to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in the diocese, Camuto warned that prioritizing gold mining over “children’s schooling” has far-reaching consequences for the country’s future.
“Whatever good we want for our land must begin in our homes. And one of the first steps is education. Parents must be deeply concerned about their children’s education,” the bishop said during the May 4 Eucharistic celebration.
He added: “It’s not foreigners who will develop our land, it’s us. But to achieve that, we must invest in the education of our children.”
While he recognized the government’s effort in building schools in Angola, Camuto lamented that the facilities are underutilized.
“We’re told that many children are not attending classes. Instead, they are out digging for gold. My brothers, this is unacceptable,” he lamented.
The bishop, who is a member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, condemned the practice of children abandoning their studies in favor of gold mining and called on parents and guardians to take firm action to ensure that children attend school.
“A child cannot spend their day chasing after gold. Education is the key to unlocking the potential of our nation and securing a brighter future for Angola,” Bishop Camuto emphasized.
