Colonialism and liberation struggle in Mozambican history textbooks: a diachronic analysis

Abstract

In this chapter, we undertake a diachronic analysis of the content of Mozambican history textbooks, since the country’s independence in 1975. We identified four main periods in the Mozambican education system over the last fifty years. First (1975-1983), breaking with colonial education. Second (1983-1992), implementing a “socialist” education. Third (1992-2004/8), promoting “Mozambicanness” with curricular reform after the 16-year civil war. Fourth (since 2004/8), aiming at “multicultural” education. In all these periods, the colonial liberation struggles in Mozambique are presented as the core of the national building process. Although there are changes in the type of language used over time, the schematic narrative templates remain similar, emphasising the need of national unity under the leadership of the ruling political elite.