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The study analyses the historical development of vocational literacy in basic education and Non-Formal Vocational Education (NFVE) in Mozambique, as well as current challenges and contradictions. The theoretical lens of Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) is employed in the study. Methodologically the study was executed through an analysis of oral, printed and e-resources produced by the main stakeholders and also the reflective experiences of the authors in their extensive educational work in the country. The findings reveal poorly developed vocational literacy education in schools and non-formal settings in spite of recurrent political declarations about its importance. There is a strong dependence by formal and particularly NFVE sectors on the technical and financial support provided by international organisations. Vocational literacy courses are characterized by a lack of adequate equipment and poor practice. As a consequence, theoretical or elementary forms of vocational knowledge are dominant in the courses, resulting in the dissatisfaction of both learners and educators. Vocational literacy development proved to be a complex field that faces many challenges and is characterised by diverse internal contradictions.

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Thirty-five years after independence the Mozambican illiteracy rate has been reduced from 93 per cent to just over 50 per cent according to official statistics. Although this indicates an enormous achievement in the area of education, the challenge of today still is to design appropriate adult basic education programmes including literacy, numeracy and life skills. Studies carried out in the framework of the research programme of the Adult Education Department of Eduardo Mondlane University in Mozambique reveal the dilemmas encountered in designing such programmes. By uncovering these dilemmas this article aims to display critical issues regarding the content and the implementation of literacy and non-formal education programmes for adults relevant to their context. As the Mozambican research programme was part of a cooperation with universities in South Africa and the Netherlands, the issues will be discussed against the background of this international cooperation.

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