Overview
La Republica de Cabo Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean west of the coast of Senegal. The population is 426,998 and the literacy rate is 76.6%. Portuguese is the official language, although Crioulo (a Portuguese-based Creole) is the first language of most Cape Verdeans. More Cape Verdeans live outside of the country than in Cape Verde itself.
The islands of Cape Verde were uninhabited until they were discovered by the Portuguese in 1462. They later became a major trading center for African slaves and were also an important whaling stop and a refueling stop for transatlantic shipping. In 1951, Portugal changed Cape Verde's status from a colony to an overseas province. On July 5, 1975, Cape Verde was granted independence from Portugal.
Education
Education is free and compulsory from ages 6 to 12. Currently, the Ministério da Educação as well as the Ministério da Educação: Direção-Geral de Ensino Superior oversee the different levels of education.
Primary Education
Educação pré-escolar (Pre-school) is 3 years beginning at age 3. Students who have not completed pre-school must wait until age 7 to begin primary school. L'Ensino básico integrado (Primary school) is 6 year beginning at age 6 and is divided into three, two-year cycles. Upon completion of primary school, students are awarded a Certificat de Fin ďEtudes de Base (CFEB).
Secondary Education
L'Enesino secundário (Secondary school) is 6 years and is divided into three, two-year cycles. The 1° Ciclo - Tronco Comum (first cycle) is a common curriculum for all students. Students are streamed into gereal (general) and técnica (technical) tracks for the final 2 cycles. Upon completion, students sit for a national examination leading to the Certificado da Habilitações Literárias.
L'ensino médio (Vocational studies) are 3 years following completion of the 5th year of secondary school. Students are awarded a Certificado do Nível Vocacional Médio upon completion.
Post-Secondary Education
First Cycle
Post-secondary studies are offered at two universities and several institutes. Three-year programs lead to the Bachelerato.Other first-level university programs are 4 - 5 years and lead to the Licenciatura.
Second Cycle
Graduate programs are 2 years and require a Licenciatura for admission. After successful defense of a thesis, students are awarded a Mestrado.
Doctoral programs are not currently offered on Cape Verde.
Teacher Training
Primary school teachers are trained in a 3-year program at the Instituto Superior de Educação leading to the Magistério Primário. Secondary school teachers must hold a Bachelerato or a Licenciatura.