Mindfulness session – Barada
In recent months, ESMABAMA was honored to receive visits from some of our valuable partners. These visits offered a first-hand look at the impact of our collaborative projects in South of Sofala. These visits not only deepened our partnerships but also reaffirmed our shared commitment to advancing the well-being of our communities, overcoming challenges, and building a brighter future for all.
Visit from SOPRO-ONGD: Celebrating Progress in Early Childhood Education
Susana Falcão at the ESMABAMA Office – Beira
In June, we had the pleasure of welcoming Susana Falcão, an international project manager from SOPRO-ONGD, on her first visit to Mozambique. Touched by the dedication of our teams, Susana praised the remarkable progress in early childhood education throughout our missions. The Soprinhos project, supporting 174 children across ESMABAMA’s four mission sites, stood out to her as a powerful example of our educators’ commitment. She was particularly impressed by their engagement with parents, highlighting the crucial role of preschool education in shaping each child’s development and future.
”During the trip, I encountered people with few resources but incredible willingness to share what they had. I saw a deep awareness on how to support people with disabilities and a genuine sense of care among everyone. These are truly remarkable individuals who embody SOPRO ONGD’s slogan: Small Gestures Change the World!’’ shared Susana after her first mission trip. Susana also engaged with the kindergartens, noted, “Each mission faces different realities, but I was particularly moved by the dedication of the teacher in Estaquinha, who personally visits communities to raise awareness about the value of pre-school education among education leaders”.
Welcoming Francisca Manjate from the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation
Francisca Manjate at the ESMABAMA Office – Beira
As part of the “Let’s learn!” project, we had the honor of hosting Francisca Manjate, education officer at the Pestalozzi Children’s Foundation. Francisca expressed admiration for the dedication of local communities working tirelessly to uphold children’s right to education, despite facing limited resources. “I have worked in rural areas outside Sofala, so I expected to see challenges,” she shared. “But I was truly inspired by the effort and commitment here to create learning opportunities for children.”
She was especially impressed by the active involvement of parents, particularly in Chissenguana, where the community is building a fence to ensure a safer school environment. She also applauded initiatives to promote inclusivity, such as the installation of ramps for students with reduced mobility. During her visit to 10 of the 21 schools supported by Pestalozzi, Francisca observed encouraging developments among students and teachers – from strengthened school council support to infrastructure improvements, including new bathrooms in five schools.
Caritas Austria explores the progress and needs of ESMABAMA
In September, we had the pleasure of hosting Daniela Pamminger, a representative from Caritas Austria, she visited Beira and Barada mission. Daniela witnessed the tangible impact of Austrian Development Agency (ADA ) funding and Caritas Austria support, particularly in our psychosocial support initiatives. She was moved by the skill and dedication of our team and the enthusiastic involvement of the community. Reflecting on her experience, Daniela shared how her expectations for the project’s impact had evolved, with many outcomes surpassing her initial hopes. This left her deeply satisfied with the partnership between Caritas Austria and ESMABAMA.
Daniela Pamminger at the ESMABAMA Office – Beira
Assessing ESMABAMA’s needs and strengths
During her visit, Daniela and her colleague Alexandra Blatting also conducted a comprehensive needs assessment with ESMABAMA’s staff, aimed at identifying both strengths and areas for growth. She expressed that the assessment provided valuable insights, fulfilling her objectives and reinforcing her confidence in the positive direction of our partnership. “The visit was essential in meeting any expectations and underscored the significant impact of our collaboration”, Daniela remarked. “A key objective of the evaluation was to gain a deeper understanding of ESMABAMA’s systems and team, ensuring that our partnership continues to build on a strong foundation”.
Caritas Germany representatives evaluate project impact and community resilience
Jorge Mendez at the ESMABAMA Office – Beira
From late October to early November, we had the pleasure of hosting Jorge Mendez and Jutta Herzenstiel, representatives from Caritas Germany. Their visit aimed to review the progress of Improvement of healthcare, hygiene, and nutrition in the districts of Buzi and Chibabava, Sofala province, Mozambique, a Caritas Germany supported, and Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development funded project implemented by ESMABAMA. Jutta and the project team traveled to field sites to witness the ongoing activities and to assess the positive impacts in the lives of the beneficiaries.
Jutta Herzenstiel at the ESMABAMA Office – Beira
Jutta, the project manager at Caritas Germany, visited the Mangunde health center to meet community activists and discuss both the successes and challenges encountered in the field. “The work of these activists is incredibly important to me”, Jutta said, emphasizing their role as a vital link between the health center and the community.
Jutta Visits ESMABAMA Engaging with Activists – Mangunde
During her visit, Jutta was not only inspired by the project achievements but also deeply concerned by the visible signs of drought and hunger in the area. “I don’t know how people manage with the drought conditions I observed in the fields. The trees have dry leaves. It’s a deeply worrying situation, as people are going hungry,” she shared, reflecting on the stark realities facing the communities.
Each partner visit strengthens our relationships and renews our motivation to advance our work for the communities we serve. United with our partners, we are more committed than ever to overcoming challenges and creating a lasting, positive impact for everyone involved. Together, we continue to build a brighter future.
