Mayor problems facing Angola

Mayor problems facing Angola

The urban culture in ANGOLA

Angola is a country with cultural diversity, its urban culture is based on craftsmanship, Urbana Crafts Fair in its last year attracted more than 40 exhibitors and held in Luanda in tribute to women, the 40 exhibitors showed their crafts that reflect the history of Angola and its people

According Henda Traça in charge of the event, visitors found at the fair handicrafts, art, baskets, cuisine, sculpture, handmade cosmetics, among others.

Micro fairs usually the first Saturday of each month, seeking to encourage the work of artisans and show the world what skills are also performed angolanes

Problems of urban culture in Angola. The crafts.

The lack of state financial support to this type of event does not help that the show grow and to publicize more.

Space costs are very high and there are many street artists and artisans who can not buy a quota.

Not many countries in the world know of such fairs in the country and lack of promotion helps average people do not disclose the realization of such events.

Solutions to the problems of small-scale urban culture in Angola.

If published more media and helps promote these events and fairs internationally, foreign investment will increase in a new field for the country and supported the growth of naturally work hand in Angola.

Establish policies work and support from the states for the protection of artisanal urban culture of Angola.

Encourage private companies. His connection in such projects is reflected in other countries such as Colombia, Ecuador and Peru have helped promote urban culture artisanal worldwide as this grows massively.

Is this a time Angola to strengthen their cultural pride?

The latest version of the fair was held on women in tribute to the work they perform in society.

Your version number twenty seven had more than forty exhibitors who came to Luanda to show their work and that most represent the cultural richness that, the streets and fields of Angola as well as its historical context.

the fortalezimiento of this small emerging industry and the right support to help states that foreign investment is concentrated in this type of work and help their growth and fortalezimiento. Fortalezimiento also help the culture of the country.

  

       

ANGOLA Agriculture and livestock.

Angola is a country with an immense geographical diversity, it’s privileged to have areas with different climates, where it is possible to grow plantations to warm and tropical conditions. 

Tomatoes,Cucumber, coffee,sugar cane

 Fruits: Pear mango,orange, apple,etc..

The agriculture represent   approximately 20% of GDP to Angola, in addition the 70%   the population lives  of agriculture.


Having a strong agriculture , the livestock sector is favoured  which is an strong enough  economic  input  to country . It is noted  that   mining, oil and gas extraction and diamonds are activities that  occupy the more important part of GDP to Angola.

Problem in the history

The war  that occurred  in  1992 in Angola  generated:   violence, crime, vandalism in the agricultural lands  etc.. affecting the rural structure,

Angola's agricultural land is estimated at 58.29 million hectares (FAO, 2009), 20  of these were destroyed completely, the natives  had not  productive  lands and they didn’t  have an  economic sustaining, In consequence many of the farmers  and  habitants of villages decided   move to urban zone for safety.

In that  period the government was worried for  young people  who were accommodated in the cities, Due to  that  probably they would not return to the rural zones to  realize the agricultural activities (The people would not have anything to eat).Over the years the conflict was normalized gradually.In addition the World Program of Food  and NGO  collaborated  in sustaining  of Angola, through   distribution  the   food, seeds and agricultural implements to muffle the problem, that  help  was   until 1980.

Also affected was  livestock sector , because of the 20 million hectares(Destroyed)  12 were dedicated to this area.The  animal dont  have to eat and a lot of head of cattle  die.

Solutions

As solution, the community of Angola centered on the rehabilitation and strengthening of agrarian sector, the funds was given by donors and other part was given by the national . The donors  and the government established the program of Community Rehabilitation.

 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development , proposed a program in that  emphasis in the animal traction, use of fertilizers and agricultural commercial private companies, to increase the commercialization the progress in the country .

Actuality 

Nowadays, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Goesfishing, reinaugurated, in Huambo's city,  the laboratory of the Institute of Investigation, in an action that seeks to increase the agroindustrial sector .

                                        MAYOR PROBLEMS FACING ANGOLA

 

Public education in Angola

From primary to higher education

Compulsory education in Angola lasts for four years and the general attendance rate of is difficult to know since there are no official statistics, but around 70% of children (most of them, boys) attend school.

Under the ruling of the MPLA (Movimento Popular de Libertaçâo de Angola - People’s Movement for the Freedom of Angola), Marxism-Leninism was declared the basis for primary education, respecting traditional African values as well. Missionary schools were nationalized and private or religious organizations were not allowed to open schools.

Primary education is compulsory for four years, starting at seven years old until 11, and each school year has 171 days. Secondary education starts at eleven and lasts for eight years but many children do not continue with secondary education or higher studies. Especially in the case of girls, they tend to stay at home helping their families so they do not attend school as long or as often as boys. However, around 67% of the population over the age of 15 can read and write in Portuguese.

Although education is free, many schools were destroyed and looted during the long civil war so now they are overpopulated (sometimes there are 50 students per class). Often students need to bring their own material to class, including not only notebooks and pens but also, chairs. Another difficulty is the fact that often, schools are open air and classes may take place under a tree, so when the weather is bad, classes are cancelled.

Again due to the civil war there is a lack of qualified and trained teachers. Anyone with aLicenciatura (five year university degree) can take the exam to become a teacher, so the quality is not ideal either (40% of teachers are not properly qualified).

In the early 2000s, the Angolan budget for education was increased, nevertheless, it is not enough for the reconstruction of schools, the material needed and the salary of teachers, amongst other issues.

In 2009, the Ministry of Education implemented a new policy based on the Cuban system of education and brought some Cuban teachers to Angola as an experimental project. They expect to reduce the illiteracy rate to a minimum by 2014.

Also, with the help of UNICEF and the aim of reducing overcrowded classes, the government is building more schools in different provinces and improving existing conditions since some schools do not have even basic sanitary facilities.

Secondary education

Often, if children want to continue their studies into secondary education, they must move to a regional capital city, so most children do not continue.

Secondary education can last up to 7 years and is not free. The first three years are considered part of primary education but they are not compulsory. There are two programs, one that lasts three years (vocational secondary) and another that lasts four years (pre-university).

Both paths award students the diploma of Habilitaçoes Literarias (Secondary School Certificate). The graduation system in Angola is from 0 to 20, 20 being the best grade and 10 being the minimum required to pass (Suficiente). For a score of 13 to 15, you get a Bom (Good), and from 15 to 20, Excelente (Excellent).

Higher education

In order to access higher education in Angola, students must hold a diploma ofHabilitaçoes Literarias (Secondary School Certificate) and pass an entrance exam.

Their knowledge of Portuguese must be of a high level. After three years of study, students are awarded the Bacharelato, equivalent to a Bachelors degree. It can be followed by two more years in order to obtain a licenciatura, similar to a Master’s degree.

For a doctorate degree, the licenciatura is awarded after six years instead. As a postgraduate, you can continue your studies to obtain the diploma of Mestre or Doctor.

There are several universities in Angola, many are private or religious (mostly Catholic) and some are linked to European institutions. Less than 0.7% of the Angolan population attend university.

Economy

What is the  Angola government doing ?

The government of Angola has the challenge to diversifying its economy, the president of Angola Jose Eduardo dos Santos   said that the economy has not to depend on oil exports (its activity more productive). It has to depend on internal production, because is an constant  alternative  over the year (Embassy of Angola,2014). .

This activity could collaborate in some increase aspects:

• Jobs

• Increased incomes of citizens

• Social safety

• Poverty reduction

The government does not want to depend on the natural resources of the country, because someday the resources will deplete (Curse of natural resources), therefore it must be replaced by production activities  that would help to maintain an increase and  improve on quality of life of Angolans (Embassy of Angola,2014)..

Clusters

Angola country has defined the following “clusters” to boost its economy for the later years:

• Energy

• Water

• Power-Agribusiness

• Housing

• Transport

There is a problem...

Angola country has not people trained to develop its clusters, the government will make techniques for duplicate a people trained through  developing educational institutions and study programmes. The expectative at 2020, 2.3 million people trained. In addition this would help other secondary clusters such as:

• Geology mines and industry

• Leisure tourism

• Oil-Gas natural

• Telecommunications

• Financing Activities

"Angola has everything to be a success country in Africa and around the world"

Angola Travel Tourism

Angola has had a history of slavery and civil wars, but today the country enjoys a general sense of redevelopment and progress. A colony of Portugal for many years, Angola’s unique culture features a mix of Portuguese and traditional African elements. While visiting Angola, spend a few days exploring the densely populated capital, Luanda, before penetrating deeper to see the country’s numerous beaches, parks, and wildlife reserves. Unlike many other African countries, Angola has few tourists, which means you will have the authentic pleasure of experiencing life in the country as Angolans do. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Social Problems

 

 

 Administrative and political life is corrupt, and the bureaucracy often borders on the absurd. "Disappearance" has been the fate of many people suspected of political opposition. The armies have been accused of misbehavior, extrajudicial executions, forced enlistment, and child soldiering. The government has acted against freedom of expression and an independent press, while the Ninjas, a special police force, spread terror among the population. In UNITA areas, reports have confirmed extreme human rights abuses, such as torture, kangaroo courts, and unlawful executions. Civilians regard politics with extreme suspicion, and the continuation of the war is widely regarded as resulting from greed for power among the political leaders. It is remarkable how many people find the courage and creativity to continue living in a context of extreme violence and poverty. Nonetheless, some people do not manage: alcoholism and theft are increasing. Witchcraft is perceived by a great number of people as a problem that is not adequately addressed by politicians, the police, and the judiciary.

 Political life is centered on the military. After independence, UNITA held the southeast and continued to hold a sway over the central highlands and Lunda Norte. Despite the ongoing war, there have been intervals of negotiation and peace. Between May 1991 and October 1992 a cease-fire was respected by both parties. After UNITA refused to accept the results of the elections held in September 1992, intense fighting broke out again. It is estimated that in the town Huambo alone, 300,000 people died during this phase of the war. In 1994 the Lusaka Protocol was signed by both parties, and in April 1997 a government of national unity and reconciliation was installed that included representatives of UNITA and MPLA. However fighting began again in 1998. Control over the diamond areas in Lunda Norte became an important war aim. The forces of the MPLA have pushed UNITA out of its former capital, Jamba, in the southeast, but fighting along the Zambian and Namibian borders has remained intense. The same situation exists in the Central Highlands, where UNITA is conducting a guerrilla war. In Cabinda, various factions of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) have fought for secession for a long time.

 

 



People & Culture

Cultural identity

When asked, many Angolans would describe themselves as ‘Angolan’, however, it is also common for Angolans to still identify themselves with the tribe of their ancestors. There are some 100 distinct ethnic groups in Angola all with their own language and customs; the largest being the Ovimbundu.

Portuguese is still spoken by the majority, with the younger generation almost speaking it exclusively. Indigenous languages are still widely spoken with many Angolans actively using two different languages.
Similarly, as a result of 500 years as a Portuguese colony the majority of people in Angola are Roman Catholic. However, followers of native African faiths can be found; after independence there was a large resurgence in people adopting traditions from pre-colonial times. One aspect of traditional African religion that can still be seen in Angola is spirit or ancestor worship, where offerings and prayers are made to the dead who are thought to be able to influence the lives of living generations.

Poetry and art

Traditional sights and sounds

The Futungu market near Luanda is known for its handicrafts and is one of the best places to buy modern artworks. Around the marketplace, visitors may also see musicians playing traditional African instruments such as the marimba, kissange (also known as the mbira) and ngoma drums.

Angola is known for its traditional ethnic art, which is enjoying a resurgence in popularity. The masks and statues of the Chokwe people in the east are regarded as some of the finest wood carvings in central Africa. Ceramics, basketry and textiles are also well-practised art forms.

Sport

Today, it’s the modern culture of sport, particularly football and basketball, which best unites Angolans. Angolans were thrilled when their nation reached the Football World Cup final draws in 2006.

The sport of capoeria is also very popular among young people in Angola. It is said to have originated among Angolan slaves who were taken to Brazil. Here, the slaves practised this unusual combination of dance and martial arts as a way to channel aggression and express themselves.

Religion

Religious Beliefs. Especially in the coastal regions, Christianity dates back a long time. A Christian church was established in the Kongo region by the end of the fifteenth century. It is unclear how many residents are Christian; the Roman Catholic Church figures range from 38 percent to 68 percent. Another 15 to 20 percent belong to Protestant denominations, such as Methodist, Baptist, and African churches. For many people there is no contradiction between Christian faith and aspects of African religions. Thus, religious specialists such as diviners and healers hold an important position in society. The government, with its socialist outlook, has been in frequent conflict with religious leaders. Because the Roman Catholic Church has great influence and was associated with Portuguese colonialism, relations with that faith have been especially tense. Since the move toward a more liberal political system, relations with the established churches have eased considerably, although troubling incidents continue to occur. An unknown number of residents do not profess any religion.

Religious Practitioners. Traditional healers and diviners have been disregarded by the socialist government. Although the role of these religious practitioners in the community often increased during

Street children in Luanda. Poverty and war have caused the number of orphaned and homeless Angolan children to grow at a rapid rate.

Rituals and Holy Places. Because of the war, many religious practices have been discontinued and cultural institutions are no longer in use. Amid the chaos of the war, many formerly meaningful places and activities have lost their function. Under the influence of the churches, a number of traditional African religious practices have disappeared. In the war context, people attempt to find new ways to address the critical situation. Thus, malign spirits are exorcised in newly established independent churches, children wear amulets to prevent being forced into the army during round-ups, and soldiers strictly follow all the rules given them to make a magic potion against bullets.

Death and the Afterlife. In many Angolan societies, a funeral is an extremely important event; mourning rituals often are regarded as essential for the peace of the deceased's soul. Because of the war, there is often no opportunity to carry out the appropriate rituals for the dead. Although people have sought alternative forms of mourning, war victims sometimes are left unburied. Apart from the personal trauma this may involve, many people fear that restless spirits will further disrupt social life. 

The Arts and Humanities

Literature. Angola has an outstanding literary tradition. An important genre has been political poetry, of which the former president Agostinho Neto was a significant representative. The arts, relatively free from censorship, have been an important way to express criticism of the political system. Oral literature is important in many communities, including mermaids in Luandan lore, Ovimbundu trickster tales, and sand graphs and their explication in the east.

The press has been largely controlled by the MPLA and UNITA. Journalists who express alternative views have been curbed in the exercise of their profession: Murder, censorship, and accusations of defamation have been used to suppress an independent press. Radio constitutes an important source of information, but has been dominated by belligerent parties for a long time; although, a Catholic radio station, Rádio Ecclésia, has been established.

Graphic Arts. Crafts such as wood carving and pottery are sold in neighboring countries. Luanda has a number of museums, including the Museum of Anthropology.

Performance Arts. Angolan music, with its ties to Brazil, has received international attention. The most popular spectator sports are soccer and basketball.