OS DESAFIOS DA GESTÃO ESCOLAR EM CONTEXTOS RURAIS E URBANOS: UMA ABORDAGEM COMPARATIVA

This article offers a comparative analysis of the obstacles faced by school management in urban and rural environments, with an emphasis on the province of Tete, Mozambique. The study seeks to highlight the particularities and points of convergence between the two contexts, taking into account the socioeconomic, cultural, and infrastructural factors that directly affect the functioning of educational institutions. Among the main challenges identified are the lack of material and human resources, restrictions in the training and development of managers and teachers, weak participation of the school community, and limited access to technology, especially in rural areas. Based on a qualitative approach, interviews were conducted with school administrators (10 principals, 5 deputy principals, 5 cycle coordinators, and 3 class coordinators) and observations were made to understand the strategies implemented by school administrators to overcome these challenges. The results indicate that, although contextual differences exist, there are shared challenges that demand integrated solutions and solid public policies. The active involvement of the school community stands out as a crucial element for strengthening management and advancing a more inclusive and equitable education. The research contributes to the discussion on the need for adjustments and innovations in school administration, emphasizing the relevance of contextualized practices that consider local realities. By valuing the voices of administrators and their experiences, the study provides significant contributions to the creation of more efficient educational policies.