Mozambique

The Peace Corps entered Mozambique in 1998 during a critical time in the country's history. Emerging from the devastation of 30 thirty years of war, Mozambique faces immense challenges. Perhaps most pressing is the need for re-construction and expansion of the educational system. Nearly 60 percent of the country's schools were either destroyed or closed during the war, and trained personnel departed the country, leaving behind a broken infrastructure. Less than half of school-age children actually attend primary school, while only 22 percent reach secondary school.

The climate for development is extremely hopeful as the peaceful transition to decentralized multiparty democracy evolves. The government has placed education as a top priority; schools are being rebuilt, curricula developed, and children are enrolling in record numbers. Fuelled by the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the government has also prioritized development in the health sector, particularly as only 40 percent of the population has access to healthcare services. The Peace Corps is working with government institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community and religious leaders, teachers, students, out-of-school youth and communities in Mozambique to develop their own human resources and achieve greater self-sufficiency.

Education

In eight of Mozambique's 10 provinces, Volunteers provide quality English and science instruction to over 19,000 students in secondary and technical schools. They also work with Mozambican colleagues to expand the range of teaching methodologies, improve English communication skills, and provide assistance in completing certification responsibilities for the national in-service training program. Volunteers promote education outside the classroom with such activities as tutoring, coaching sports, organizing school library committees, facilitating regional science fairs, and directing theater productions.

Health

As requested by the Mozambican Ministry of Health, Peace Corps expanded into the health sector in 2004 with organizational development and community health Volunteers. Volunteers are placed within established national and international NGOs, providing assistance as organizational development advisors and as community health promoters. The health project is particularly focused on education and prevention, with the main target groups being those considered most at risk, such as youth (especially young women), orphans, and vulnerable children.

Last updated Sep 28 2008