The Industrial and Commercial Institute 1.º de Maio in Quelimane is facing severe deterioration of its infrastructure, a situation that has already affected the admission of new students. In 2026, the institution did not admit new students because of the physical condition of its buildings, while students admitted in 2024 and 2025 continue to attend classes.
Inaugurated in 1963, the technical and vocational education institution, located in the centre of Quelimane, saw the condition of its infrastructure deteriorate further following the passage of Cyclone Freddy in 2023. Despite the difficulties, teaching activities continue, thanks to the joint efforts of teachers, students and staff.
Meanwhile, the possibility of rehabilitating the facilities has raised hopes within the school community. Recently, a team of contractors visited the institute to assess the physical condition of the buildings, as part of an initiative associated with PRETEP PLUS, a programme supporting technical and vocational education in Mozambique, funded by Italian cooperation through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
“Our institute is in a state of severe disrepair, and learning that it may be rehabilitated is good news. According to the information, it will be the PRETEP PLUS project, linked to the Ministry of Education, which works with technical and vocational education institutions in the area of training and provides various forms of support,” said Otilia Chembeze, director of the Industrial and Commercial Institute 1.º de Maio in Quelimane.
Otilia Chembeze said the team had visited the site to assess the damage and the work required. The potential rehabilitation could also allow the institute to expand its training provision. Currently, the institute offers courses in Industrial Electricity and Accounting.
Meanwhile, Zambézia Secretary of State Avelino Muchine visited the premises and observed the deteriorating condition of the buildings. However, the official did not provide details on whether the works would go ahead.
“We are deeply saddened to see the state of the infrastructure, and we are making efforts to reverse this situation. I am certain that we will succeed through the necessary contacts that are currently under way,” the official said, adding that this would happen shortly.
The rehabilitation of the Industrial and Commercial Institute 1.º de Maio is seen as an opportunity to improve learning conditions and restore the institution’s capacity to admit new students, at a time when deteriorating infrastructure is limiting the continued training of new technical professionals in the province.
Source: O País
