Cape Verde extends school hours for 500 children on Sal
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Expresso das Ilhas
Cape Verde will launch a pilot scheme in November to extend school hours for 500 children on Sal island, providing greater support outside class time. Family Minister Adélsia Almeida also said the government was following an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of minors, according to Expresso das Ilhas.
The Cape Verde government will launch a pilot scheme in November on the island of Sal, extending school hours for 500 children, Family Minister Adélsia Almeida announced. Outside school hours, the programme will offer educational support as well as recreational, educational and cultural activities.
The measure aims to give children a safe and protected space while prioritising direct support for families. Institutional care will remain a last resort, according to the minister. The government is also preparing to open the Nôs Kaza centre in Santa Maria before the end of the year.
The announcement comes as authorities follow the investigation into the “Aurora case”, involving alleged sexual abuse of minors. Adélsia Almeida said the ministries of Family, Education, Internal Administration and Justice were working with municipalities, the private sector and civil society.
The newly announced timetable differs from the one presented on 12 September, when the extended school-hours pilot scheme was announced as due to begin on 1 October.
