Mozambique

Mozambique’s children stay in school an average of nine years, meaning that boys and girls are typically 14 or 15 when they leave school, and only 59 percent of the population ages 15 and older can read and write. ChildFund is working to help children stay in school longer and become prepared for well-paid careers later.

ChildFund also works with parent-teacher councils to demonstrate the value of education, and we’ve helped build schools and provided desks, chairs, blackboards, textbooks, athletic equipment and other essentials for students.

To address issues like child labor, AIDS, poor nutrition and child protection, we’ve provided training to community members in the Gondola district’s Community Child Protection committees. They’ve since carried out mobilization campaigns to get thousands of children vaccinated and dewormed.

Teens and young adults have a difficult time finding work in Mozambique. According to a 2012 report, 39 percent of youth ages 15-24 are unemployed, and many women become mothers by the time they’re 18.

ChildFund works with youth to ensure they have the market and life skills they need to make a successful transition into the work force. In one program, we train youth as trainers themselves, and they impart their knowledge to other young people. When provided with training and materials for producing mats, carpets and baskets, they are equipped for employment or to create their own small businesses. Other youth are learning about honey production and sales, helping them earn good livings.

We also support Village Savings and Loans groups, made up of about 15 to 25 people in a community. Members regularly put deposits into a communal fund, and they are allowed to borrow money periodically to support their businesses. In recent years, some groups have begun investing in early childhood development programs that benefit their children.