The Perception of the Socio-Economic Costs of the Covid-19 Pandemic in the University Community of Unilicungo – Mozambique

Abstract

With the emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Government of Mozambique, like other countries, opted for restrictive measures for the movement of people, including the closure of schools and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). This article discusses the perception of the academic community of Licungo University (UNILICUNGO) in relation to the socio-economic costs of the COVID-19 pandemic, which occurred during the emergency period. In methodological terms, it consists of a qualitative research, which made use of the bibliographic approach and the survey technique. An online questionnaire was applied, and 54 responses were obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS V23 software. The technique of descriptive statistics was used for the analysis. The results pointed to a significant increase (by 100%) in the costs of food, face masks, gel and ethyl alcohol, internet, visors, and mobile phone recharges. On the other hand, the costs that recorded a significant reduction (by 100%) were energy and rent. The costs of lunch, internet, monthly fees, transport and top-ups, which were associated with the online teaching process, had a minimum reduction of 25%. The following implications were found: UNILICUNGO must make an effort to develop an institutional platform for online classes; negotiate a more affordable internet cost; improve virtual access to the library; seek alternative sources to face the reduction in institutional revenue; allocate devices (laptops, smartphones and tablets) at the most favorable prices; and developing social support programs (such as food assistance, medication, and subsidized transport prices).