Prioritize “children’s schooling” Over Gold Mining: Catholic Bishop in Angola to Parents, Guardians, Government

Luanda, 06 May, 2025 / 4:45 PM

Formal education of children should be prioritized in Angola, Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of the country’s Catholic Diocese of Caxito has told parents, guardians, and the government of the Southern African nation.

In his homily during his pastoral visit to Our Lady of the Assumption Parish of his Episcopal See, Bishop 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 schooling,” the Angolan Catholic 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, Bishop 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 Angolan member of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit (CSSp./Holy Ghost Fathers/Spiritans) condemned the practice of children abandoning their studies in favor of artisanal gold mining and called on parents and guardians to take firm action to ensure children attend school.

“A child cannot spend their day chasing after gold. They must be in school, learning and preparing to contribute to society,” Bishop Camuto said.

He faulted parents who fail to monitor their children’s education, saying many are unaware if their children “attend school, complete assignments, or receive quality teaching.”

Turning to educators, the Catholic Church leader highlighted absenteeism among teachers as a serious issue.

“In many communities, teachers only show up once a week. The children are learning nothing. We have students in fifth or sixth grade who cannot read or write, who don’t know what two plus two is,” Bishop Camuto lamented.

He warned that continued neglect will result in the perpetuation of illiteracy and national decline, saying, “We risk being dominated again; not because of force, but because of ignorance. We must not allow this.”

To address the problem, Bishop Camuto urged parents to demand accountability from teachers, reminding them that “public funds pay their salaries.”

He also challenged local authorities to enforce standards. “I say this before the local administrator: take responsibility. Don’t allow an illiterate society to grow under your watch,” he said.

Bishop Camuto called for a collective commitment to change, saying, “Let every parent do their part. Demand that your children study. The time for play and gold digging can come later.”