CATHOLIC SCHOOL AND INTEGRAL FORMATION IN ANGOLA: REQUIREMENTS FOR AN EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO THE CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONTEXT

Abstract

The current Angolan socioeconomic context, marked by a deep crisis of values and the degradation of human dignity, challenges educational institutions to promote ethical and integral formation. In this scenario, the Catholic school, rooted in the Christian vision of the person and society, is called to reaffirm its identity and evangelizing mission. This study aimed to critically reflect on the necessary requirements for the Catholic school to respond, with fidelity to its charism, to the challenges of the current socioeconomic context in Angola. It sought to answer the following question: What are the current requirements for Catholic schools to respond effectively to Angola’s socioeconomic challenges? The research combined bibliographic and documentary review with exploratory fieldwork conducted in Catholic schools of the Diocese of Cabinda, through unstructured interviews with principals and teachers. The data collected formed the basis for a SWOT analysis and the formulation of concrete proposals. It was concluded that the Catholic school, although it shares educational goals with other institutions, is distinguished by an identity founded on the Gospel. To fulfill its transformative role, interventions are needed in three key areas: the reaffirmation of Catholic identity, with greater curricular autonomy and a strengthened Christian environment; the valorization of internal stakeholders, especially teachers and staff; and the improvement of institutional and pedagogical organization. If embraced with clarity and commitment, these priorities can make the Catholic school an educational and moral reference, contributing significantly to the construction of a more just, supportive, and humanized society.