Help to pupils in Mozambique

FARO donation initiative in Mozambique came at the end of my three-month trip around Central and Southern Africa. It felt like a logical step.

I decided to donate to a local school to help underprivileged kids. In Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, I chose Escola Unidade 23 in the poor neighborhood of Mafalala.

Mafalala is a typical poor ghetto found in many African cities. In the past, many notable athletes, artists, and politicians were born and raised there. Yet, the neighborhood remains poor and largely forgotten.

Samuel, the receptionist’s son from my guesthouse, came with me. He was a bit scared driving through the narrow, chaotic streets, but I guided him to reach the school without too much trouble.

I was sent from one office to another, when looking for the principal, before finally meeting Ms. Marcia, the school coordinator, and Mrs. Celestina, the administrator.

“My name is Rok. I’m from Slovenia,” I started. “I love traveling, and when I visit poorer countries, I like to give something back to the community.”

Samuel was helping with the translation to Portuguese.

“I am here, because I see that the school is lacking proper facilities, the kids seem to come from poor families. I would like to help you with some school utensils. Am I at the right place?”

Both women were surprised and couldn’t believe what I was offering to them.

“We have never received an offer like yours! Our school has been struggling with funds all the time,” the administrator said.

“The Ministry of Education never delivers what it promises. We’re always short on supplies for the kids and teachers, especially toward the end of the school year,” added Ms. Marcia.

I explained that I had raised about 500 US$ with help from family and friends, and that I wanted to buy school supplies.

“Can you make a list of the school supplies you need?” I asked her.

Within minutes, she handed it to me.

I invited her to come with Samuel and me to do the shopping. We stopped at a few stores and finally the Xipamanine Market to find the best prices.

We managed to buy notebooks, pencils, rulers, erasers and chalks. Enough for more than 200 pupils in grades two and three.

Later that afternoon, we brought everything back to the school. The teachers were grateful. The next day the kids received their new supplies, smiling and excited to start the new school year better prepared than ever.

FARO donation initiative in Mozambique is part of FARO, a voluntary program fully funded by donors. It aims to improve life for marginalized children in developing countries. You can learn more about FARO by reading the information at this link.