Mozambique

Political tensions between the Mozambican government and the country’s main opposition group eased in 2018. The two sides agreed to end hostilities and come to a peaceful resolution of their differences. After years of growth Mozambique’s economy has been experiencing a steep decline, as the country reels from corruption allegations involving high profile individuals from within and outside the government. Other challenges remain for Mozambicans. More than 800,000 people didn’t have enough food to eat or seeds to plant for next year’s harvest. As well, this year, radical religious groups carried out violent attacks in northern mining regions. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, over 6 million Mozambicans were supported in 2018. Thousands of people now have access to clean water, which helps keep them free from diseases. Millions of people received treated bed nets to protect them from mosquitoes carrying malaria. Children were supported with daily meals to help them stay in school and focus on their studies. After-school reading camps gave kids a place to boost their literacy skills. In particular, girls received support and awareness to end gender-based violence, and more than a thousand vulnerable young women received sewing machines so they could start their own small businesses. More community members learned how to manage their finances to help their businesses thrive. Through advocacy to protect vulnerable children, we helped a bill go before the government that would criminalize child marriage. People were empowered to make lasting changes in their communities by learning how to advocate for themselves to the government.