Mozambique Community Development

Mozambique - the word evokes images of pristine coastline, beautiful terracotta tiled towns and fascinating arab influenced culture. However, there is much more to this unique country than being simply an idyllic holiday destination. As well as providing a home for an incredible range of exotic wildlife, Mozambique's cultural heritage is an incredible amalgamation of Portuguese, Asian and indigenous origins and traditions. However, Mozambique's tumultuous past has resulted in social and economic problems and many of its more deprived citizens have suffered as a result. The civil war of the 1980's resulted in the closure or destruction of over 5,700 primary schools, meaning that the precious resource of education is in short supply - today only 30% of children are in school. Join our community project in Mozambique and invest in the future of orphans and needy children in this captivating country.

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum age 18
• CV, to help identify your skills and experience
• Basic Portuguese is a plus!

FAST FACTS

WHAT'S INCLUDED

QUALIFICATIONS

A variety of qualifications are available on many of our projects. For example, BTEC certificates and diplomas on our Group conservation projects and TEFL certificates and BTECs on most of our teaching projects. You may also be able to gain a CoPE to support your university application. For more information on these qualifications, please see the qualifications section of our website or ask your volunteer advisor.

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

The Mozambican civil war began in 1975 following the war of independence. Tragically, over 900,000 citizens died in the fighting and the war itself has left a terrible legacy - thousands of schools, community centres and hospitals amongst other things were wiped out in the conflict.

Since 1992 the country has been at peace, but problems relating to the aftermath of the war, coupled with the effect of two significant cyclones, have created a situation where international aid is needed to restore the country to a state of economic stability and growth.

Education is the key to restoring hope to this very special country. Poor children here are in general less likely to be enrolled in school because they often need to work to survive, cannot afford school costs or live far away from the nearest school. Children orphaned and made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS are particularly at risk of missing out on even a basic education. Ensure that the lives of some of these children are enriched by the gift of education, by joining this incredibly worthwhile project.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

This community programme integrates several elements that combine to form a cohesive and well constructed strategy for enhancing development here. You will be working in an orphanage, where children who have lost their parents, often through the AIDS epidemic, can be cared for and provided with an education. You will help to inspire them and give them hope for a brighter future by providing a caring and safe environment for them to learn and grow. You are sure to find it an incredibly rewarding experience as their confidence grows through your hard work and commitment; this project is providing them with the opportunity to take control of their own futures. Other aspects of the programme include promoting traditional practical skills amongst the children, such as rug making and clay pot decoration, thereby ensuring that the wonderful cultural heritage of this magical country is communicated to the next generations.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

You will be met upon arrival at Maputo International airport by your project coordinator. Once you have had time to rest the local staff will introduce you to your project and the local area. Your in country coordinator will be more than happy to help you settle in and acclimatise and you'll feel at home in no time in this friendly, vibrant country.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

Whilst participating on this project you will be staying in a friendly homestay in Maputo.  The accommodation will be basic but of course clean and comfortable and you will be made to feel like part of the family from the moment you arrive.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

You will be provided with three basic, typically Mozambican, meals per day which will consist of a variety of nutritious and delicious local dishes. Mozambican food is a fascinating fusion of flavours and elements, combining European and African influences. Some delicious dishes to look out for include; 'sopa de feijao verde', which is string bean soup, 'matata' which is clam and peanut stew and dishes cooked with 'piri piri' sauce - watch out this means spicy! Other popular ingredients are peanuts, coconut, cucumber, bananas and seafood. If you are wandering through the markets on weekends during your free time, look out for the seafood and especially the shellfish, lobster tails, shrimp, and prawns, whcih are considered by many to be the most delicious in the world, so there is plenty to get your taste buds tingling.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Mozambique has an incredible array of activities to occupy visitors, many centering around aqautic sports. All of these activities can be booked through local providers. Try sea kayaking, sailing, a trip in a traditional dhow, snorkelling through the sparkling waters above teeming reefs and scuba diving. If you are in Mozambique in the right season you may even get the opportunity to see some of Mozambique's amazing marine life, such as the magnificent whale shark, the unusual dugong, and even the eerie manta rays. For those with an interest in local arts and crafts travel into nearby towns to sample the wares at the colourful markets and maybe even take home a handcrafted souvenir.

COSTS

DEPARTURE DATES

Monthly, usually on the first Monday of the month

DURATION

4 weeks and longer

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Before you go

• Pre-departure support & documentation
• Travel & medical advice & documentation
• Advice on visas & equipment
• Discounted medical kit
• Free Frontier T-shirt

In-country

• Pre departure support and documentation
• Travel & medical advice and documentation
• Airport pickup
• Ground transfers
• Advice on visas & equipment
• Accommodation
• 3 meals a day
• In-country emergency support
• 24 hour international HQ backup
   

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

• Flights
• Visas
• Insurance

For detailed information on flights, visas and insurance, click here.

LEGAL STATEMENT

Please read our legal statement regarding the running of NGO projects.

To apply for this placement, click on "Apply Now" below. Fill in the short application form and one of our advisers will then call you back to answer any questions and make sure this is the perfect placement for you. Applying doesn't cost a penny and you won't pay anything until you're completely happy and you're ready to reserve your place.