Jorge's Journey: Overcoming Barriers Through Education
Jorge Felipe Johane
Jorge Felipe Johane, a 27-year-old disabled from Chissinguana, has a life story marked by determination and the pursuit of education to achieve his dreams. From an early age, he aspired to study and build a better future, but his physical condition presented a significant challenge. Growing up in Chicuecue, where schooling ends at 7th grade, Jorge faced uncertainty about how to continue his studies. Advancing meant relocating to Estaquinha, a daunting prospect due to the long distance, poor road conditions, and lack of financial resources.
It was in this context that the Educational perspective on inclusive education Project (PEPI) became a turning point in his life. “If it weren’t for the support of the PEPI Project, I wouldn’t have been able to continue studying after 7th grade. The distance, road conditions, and lack of resources were major obstacles. PEPI gave me hope for a better future by providing everything I needed to enroll in school in Estaquinha: school materials, tuition fees, boarding expenses, and even a new wheelchair. This not only motivated me but also reassured my parents, who rely on agriculture for their livelihood,” explains Jorge.
With the project’s support, Jorge not only managed to attend school in Estaquinha but also gained the motivation to overcome challenges and believe in his potential. “Today, I see that my efforts are worthwhile, and I am grateful to Light for the World, Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI), and everyone who makes this possible,” he says with a hopeful smile.
The PEPI Project: A Lifeline for Students with Disabilities
Jorge Filipe Johane with the InPOWER Project focal
The project initially began under the name PEPI (Educational perspective on inclusive education) but was later renamed InPOWER. It is financed by Light for the World and funded by Austrian Development Agency (ADA). The InPOWER project is implemented in Estaquinha (Buzi district) and Mangunde (Chibabava district), while the CEI project operates across all three districts: Buzi, Chibabava and Machanga.
For a person with a disability, challenges accumulate not only due to their condition but also due to the surrounding context. For instance, Jorge lives in a community far from an urban center, located about an hour and a half by car from the nearest mission (Estaquinha is 180km from the city of Beira), which serves has a hub for essential services. For those who depend on bicycles or travel on foot, reaching this center can take several hours. To make matters more difficult, these areas often lack basic services such as electricity and running water.
Before joining the PEPI Project, Jorge was unaware of its existence. However, with encouragement from his father and the support of the boarding school manager, he was admitted and began receiving the necessary assistance. From 8th to 12th grade, PEPI provided him with school supplies and financial support without which continuing his education would have been impossible. “If it weren’t for PEPI, I wouldn’t have made it to 12th grade,” Jorge acknowledges.
After completing high school in 2018, he faced new challenges in entering higher education or the job market. Despite several attempts to apply for courses in the field of education, he could not pass the final selection stages. During this period, financial difficulties became a significant barrier, making his dream of pursuing technical or university education seem increasingly out of reach.
A New Beginning with the CEI Project
Jorge Filipe Johane and his Mother at their home in Chissinguana
Jorge’s family situation worsened after the loss of his father, a once-prosperous farmer and the main provider for the household. His passing deeply affected the family’s economic stability. Jorge now lives with his mother and six siblings, and despite their collective efforts, they continue to face significant challenges. The youngest brother, aged 21, dropped out of school in an attempt to improve the family’s living conditions by seeking opportunities in South Africa. Jorge’s story highlights the harsh reality faced by people with disabilities living in rural areas.
In 2024, a new opportunity arose for Jorge through the CEI Project, an initiative that is giving hope to people of our communities. At no cost, Jorge enrolled in a technical course in Informatics Technology, where he learned essential skills, including Microsoft tools, typing, digital content creation, and printing techniques. “Before, my computer skills were very basic, but today, I can confidently say that I have mastered these tools,” he says proudly.
The training provided by the CEI Project not only equipped Jorge with new knowledge but also gave him a clearer vision for his future. Now, he plans to establish a small IT and printing business in Chissinguana, where there is electricity, with the support of a startup kit provided by CEI, which includes a computer and printers. This initiative aims to promote financial independence for project beneficiaries. Jorge hopes to use the income from his business to further his studies and expand his professional opportunities.
A study carried out by our partner Light For the World shows that only 5% of disabled people in Mozambique are employed. But Jorge hopes to use the income from his business to further his studies and expand his professional opportunities.
The Broader Impact of Educational Projects
Students from Estaquinha Boarding School
Jorge’s story is a testament to the real and transformative impact of projects supported by ESMABAMA. His journey illustrates how investing in youth education and development can bring about significant changes, equipping them with the tools to build a brighter future. Thanks to these initiatives, Jorge has not only gained knowledge but has also regained hope and determination to follow his dreams.
Manuel Augusto Dodine, focal point of the InPOWER Project in Estaquinha, highlighted the importance of this initiative not only for Jorge but for many other young people with disabilities. “Jorge is just one of the many brilliant and dedicated students whose dreams have been revived thanks to the InPOWER Project and CEI,” he stated.
Initially, many parents hesitated to entrust their children to the project, many thought these children should just stay at home and didn’t believe they could have a future. However, over time, the community recognized the value and benefits of the support offered. This led to increased participation, with the number of students benefiting from the InPOWER Project reaching 80 in 2025. Many past beneficiaries from CEI training scholarships have pursued technical training in health, culinary arts, and civil construction. Employability is already a challenge for most young people in Mozambique, and it is even more difficult for those with disabilities, especially those living in rural areas.
The INPOWER project also continues to raise awareness among families about the importance of education for people with disabilities, encouraging new opportunities for young individuals to access quality and inclusive education.
