Ricardo’s first impression of Mozambique
Lixile!!
When
I arrived in Maputo the first feeling was of surprise. I felt as if I were in
any other European airport, the only difference was the speed of movements and
the dark and gleaming skins.
This European feeling soon disappeared when we got in Hilário’s car and began
to drive around Maputo. The traffic chaos, the colours, the scent of fuel, and
the street vendors quickly carried me to other African memories. "This is
Africa." I said taking a deep breath and finally absorbing the
African essence. The trip to Chokwe-City was very pleasant and was useful
to understand the agricultural potential of this huge country, and how living
could be so much easier for so many people. There is a lot to do.
Chokwe-City – well there is not much to say – a city lost in the middle
of Africa; poverty, street kids, colours, dust, fruit (and everything
else) markets, people and heat even though here this is considered the cold season...
Ahaha! Rather curious are the signs of pseudo-richness in town: two gyms, a gas
station and a small shop, similar to so many Portuguese shops.
Now,
the people, I’ll start with the one I spent more time with. Hilário seems to be
an outsider, almost a Westerner, he talks fluidly about pretty much
every subject. He’s friendly, sensitive and thoughtful. Hilário is an
excellent PR. I want to, and I will have the opportunity of knowing him
better.
Always
welcome, curious and helpful; the contacts with the Sisters, with the people at
the Caritas residency, the technicians and the sponsored children have
been extremely interesting. During the next few weeks I will have time to break
the initial ice of politically correctness and really get to know these persons.
Although
at superficial level, like most African countries where I have been, I feel
there is an excessive submission to the white “man” and I wish to change that,
starting by their relationship with me. I believe African culture is one
of the richest in the world and it is important for Africans to be aware of
that and be proud of themselves and of the colour of their skin.
I’ll
be vigilant, and I have 6 weeks to perform “white” magic with my example.
:)
Hingabangani!
Ricardo
Ricardo is volunteering for 6 weeks in Chokwe with our sister-charity UPG Portugal
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Ana finally arrives to Mozambique!
Q: What is your first impression of Mozambique?
Ana: It is my first time in Africa and I’m astonished with
everything because it is so different from my day to day reality.
We arrived in the beginning of winter... temperatures vary
between max. 30º and min. 20º. People are cold and wear scarfs and wool
hats!
Mulungos (white people in changana – local
dialect) are a minority so the curious and surprised looks of everyone are
quite obvious! The look of children in indescribably delightful J
Colours, scents, fruits, vegetables and the Mulandes
(African people in changana) are magnificent to look at and to
admire!
Thus, my first impression is of wonder for a country rich in
resources and which still has not managed to create sustainable development
conditions.
Q: What do you think about the people with whom you’ve
interacted?
Ana: The Sisters from SLM and SVP Schools, both sponsored by
ALG, and all the “ anos” (the young boys or “little brothers” helpung)
welcomed us very well and strengthened the positive energy and joy existing
when facing the constant day-to-day challenges! This is so good and inspiring!
People’s reaction is, in general, reserved but when we
interact or smile they quickly reply... making communication easier even though
we don’t speak the local dialect changana.
Q: When they travel Portuguese people like to eat. How is
the food in Mozambique?
Ana: The street market is amazing... it has everything, and
when I mean everything I mean everything! In this market some people sell what
they collected from their farming plots... vegetables look great. Because
I’m a vegetarian it has been easy to eat here and I have been eating delicious
food :)
Q: What are your feelings/emotions at the moment?
Ana: To tell you the truth the feelings and emotions are
profuse and sometimes confusing and contradictory. I think Africa will
reinforce the idea that Living is to feel the moment, the now.
Khanimambo!!! (Thank you in changana)
Ana is volunteering for 6 weeks in Chokwe with
our sister-charity UPG Portugal
ALG team’s visits to
Mozambique always bring us stories and testimonials that makes proud, and we
have to share them with everyone who support us and believe in our work.
“Mummy” Noémia, the mother
of Talita a UPG Portugal sponsored child, is HIV positive but she’s been
followed-up and has been receiving treatment since 2013. Due to her extremely
fragile health condition, “Mummy” Noémia could only accept small cleaning jobs,
wash clothes and other not too strenuous jobs. They don’t pay much but it is
enough to help providing for her 4 children. After the 2013 floods, Noémia was
supported by ALG within the scope of the Income Generation Project in S.
Vicente de Paulo. She received a small financial assistance to help her to
start up a small scale business. Today, 3 years later, during ALG’s visit to
the ground we were amazed by how much this mummy managed to achieve: thanks to
the success of her business “mummy” Noémia managed to start building a home for
her family. Although the house is still not yet finished, this
"mummy" is a role model. ALG is already contemplating the possibility
of helping Noémia to conclude the construction of her house and improve the
living conditions of this family.
