Jose Zacarias’ life was transformed through education support and scholarships, taking him from a young health technician to an award-winning leader. Actually he is Director of Mangunde Health Centre. José was born in Chimoio and raised partly in Sussundenga district, Manica province, he grew up in a rural environment with limited infrastructure, few schools, and a community reliant on subsistence farming. These conditions made continuing his education a challenge, but also fueled his determination to improve his life.
He began his career in 2006 as a general medicine technician at Mangunde Health Centre, at just 21 years old, without having finished secondary school. Over time, he took on increasing responsibilities from coordinating medical appointments to managing statistics and community outreach. In 2009, ESMABAMA’s founder and then-director, Father Ottorino, recognised his potential and created the position of deputy director specifically for him.
That scholarship, provided by ESMABAMA’s partner Associazione Amici del Mozambico (A.M.O), enabled Jose to study Public Administration from 2013 to 2017.
From academic growth to community impact
His degree equipped him with essential leadership and management skills, allowing him to modernise internal operations, improve team collaboration, and deliver faster, more transparent healthcare services. “Before, we relied mainly on experience and intuition, now, we follow systems and methods that work and patients notice the difference,” said José.
The qualification also brought a tangible improvement to his family’s life, with better financial stability and greater opportunities. But José views these gains as part of a bigger picture: “The knowledge I gained doesn’t just benefit me, it uplifts my family, my colleagues, and my community.”
Jose Zacarias Acquires Specialized Knowledge
Mangunde
A.MO.’s investment did not stop there. They later funded his Master’s in Public Health, completed in 2022 with a specialisation in HIV/AIDS an area he has been engaged with since 2006 through the DREAM Program. This advanced training expanded his expertise and opened opportunities in teaching and research.
Jose Zacarias Receives Government Recognition
Jose Zacarias receiving a gift
In 2025, the Government of the District of Chibabava recognised José as the Best Director of a Health Centre. For ESMABAMA, this was more than an individual achievement, it was a validation of its mission. To ESMABAMA is gratifying to see the fruits of an investment reflected in the service José provides to the communities around Mangunde. The Mangunde Health Centre is a model facility, with qualified medical equipment, and is the preferred choice for people living up to 30 km from Mangunde.
A Cycle of Positive Change
Jose’s journey shows how educational support can spark lasting transformation. Through dedication, mentorship, and opportunity, he has turned personal progress into collective benefit. His story is a reminder that when someone believes in our potential and invests in our growth, the best way to honour that trust is by creating a positive and enduring impact.
