Mozambique

Why Habitat is needed in Mozambique
Mozambique has suffered a series of setbacks in its struggle to develop during 32 years of independence. Following a 10-year liberation struggle, a 13-year guerilla war took the lives of 1 million people and left 5 million displaced. Only with the rise of the ANC and the end of apartheid in South Africa, was Mozambique able to broker peace and disarm the guerillas in 1992.

During its 15 years of peace, Mozambique has had one of the fastest growing economies in the region, yet the country has a steep hill to climb. Since the war, HIV/AIDS has been sweeping through the country, with an estimated 17 percent of the population infected in the country and as much as 30 percent or more in certain cities along transport lines.

As a result of these deaths, children are left orphaned, often without adequate shelter and sometimes homeless. To make matters worse, in 2000, the country was devastated by the largest flood ever recorded in Africa which left half a million people homeless.

How Habitat helps
Formed in 2000, Habitat for Humanity has worked with poor communities, local volunteers and international teams to build hundreds of houses in Maputo Province and up country in the provinces of Manica and Gaza.

Originally, Habitat Mozambique houses were made of cement blocks. In the last few years, Habitat has adopted local materials and methods which lower costs, increase efficiency and community involvement. Additionally, Habitat Mozambique can reach the very poorest families in each community as rapidly as possible.

Highlights

• Habitat Mozambique is expanding its program to provide housing to the most vulnerable group─ caretakers, orphans and vulnerable children who have lost parents to HIV/AIDS.
• Habitat Mozambique provides housing, latrines, inheritance plans, construction training, housing maintenance, mosquito nets and water treatment kits to each of these families.
• The program partners with local organizations and churches that work with the families. With the help of organizations such as Kubatsirana (a local church organization), and Africare (an international organization), children receive food, education, training, health and basic social support from their neighbors and the community.

Facts about Mozambique
Location: South East Africa
Population: 19.5 million
Languages: Portuguese, Makua-Lomwe, Tsonga, Shona, Swahili
Climate: Tropical to subtropical
Religion: Christianity, Islam, Indigenous beliefs
Government: Multiparty republic
Economy: Industries include food, beverages, chemicals, petroleum products, textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco