ESMABAMA: New Paths, Same Mission

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Dear Partner/Friend,

The ESMABAMA Association celebrates important achievements this year, with special emphasis on strengthening European partnerships and generating a positive impact in the areas of agriculture, health, and education.

Despite these successes, the closure of projects also presents a challenge, calling for new strategies to ensure sustainability and continuity of actions. 

In this context, the appointment of a new Director marks a new chapter for the institution, renewing its commitment to human and community development. This edition of the newsletter highlights inspiring stories, partnerships, experience of the new director, and achievements that strengthen ESMABAMA’s mission.

Best Regards
Edson Elidio Balata
Director of ESMABAMA

ESMABAMA visits partners in Europe

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During his visit to Europe, ESMABAMA’s new Director, Edson Balata, strengthened partnerships and opened doors to new opportunities for sustainable rural development. He had meetings with SOPRO NGO, Caritas Portuguesa,  Caritas Austria,  h3000, Missio and Light For The World. Edson also had a meeting in Austria with two businessmen from: Wiener Wohnen and Raiffeisenbank. All these meetings renewed inspiration and hope for the possible organization’s future collaborations. In addition the in-person meetings, Edson had also an online meeting with Missionary Centre of the Archdiocese of Braga.

Teresa Augusto Journey

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Teresa Augusto Journey: the education journey was never easy for Teresa Augusto. She was born in Buene, an island in the Machanga district, and she is youngest of four siblings and daughter of a traditional healer mother and peasant father. From early age, she faced the challenges of rural life: Buene’s primary school offered only grades 1 to 5, and for many children, continuing education was simply not an option. “It wasn’t easy for me. To continue the sixth grade, I needed a lot of courage and help from dedicated people,” recalls Teresa.

Edson Balata - Director of ESMABAMA

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Edson Balata is the new Director-General of ESMABAMA and marks an important new chapter in the association's history. With a strong background in sustainable development, ethics, and leadership, he brings fresh energy and ideas to strengthen ESMABAMA’s mission in serving communities. This text shares the values that inspire him, the plans he has for the organization, and the challenges ahead. We invite everyone to read and get to know the man who will lead ESMABAMA’s future.

Sustainable agriculture

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Sustainable agriculture is reshaping the lives of farmers in Mangunde, Barada, and Estaquinha. Through the Sustainable Rural Development Project, funded by Sei So Frei OÖ, 5 modern agricultural greenhouses were installed: 2 in Barada, 1 in Estaquinha, and 2 in Mangunde benefiting around 150 people, including members of agricultural associations and individual farmers.

Jose Zacarias – Education Support

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“My relationship with Father Ottorino was pivotal, he believed in me and gave me opportunities I never imagined, including a scholarship for my degree.” Said Jose Zacarias, director of Health Centre - Mangunde.
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.

Projects completions in ESMABAMA’s 

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Projects completions at ESMABAMA continue to generate significant impacts in rural communities, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to sustainable development and the well-being of local populations. During the first half of 2025, Important projects concluded with tangible results and measurable improvements in people’s lives. There are projects: Health, Hygiene and Nutrition Improvement, COHEMO, CEI, LIFE Project and Rehabilitation of the Estaquinha Girls’ Boarding School.

Clean water for 100 families in Barada

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Clean water now reaches over 100 families in Barada, thanks to a new water tower and public fountain with 4 taps built under Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project funded by the United States Embassy. Despite this progress, the project faced an interruption due to funding cuts from the United States (US), preventing the full execution of the original plan. Even in the face of funding challenges, ESMABAMA has mobilised its own resources and internal efforts to keep the project moving forward.