The eight weeks intense vocational training program began on January 25, 2025 and required participants to be accommodated at the Centre for Sustainable Education in Pemba City for the duration of the course. Trainings courses ran from Monday to Friday and included both practical and theoretical lessons. As part of the training, the participants underwent theoretical assessments in their respective fields to ensure they were well-prepared for real-world application.
In addition to the vocational training courses, the youth received other complementary training including health, safety, and hygiene at work, life skills, financial management, business model development, and excellent customer service.
Graduates in Electricity and Photovoltaic Systems explaining the learning obtained in the course
The MozNorte project supports the Government of Mozambique’s strategy to improve local socio-economic conditions for the local communities in the short and medium term. It aims to reduce rural poverty and social inequality, with a strong focus on women and youth. The key objectives of the MozNorte Project include increasing food security through increased agricultural income, diversifying livelihoods, training in know-how, promoting self-employment, and building resilience in communities in the Niassa Special Reserve.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony the Warden of Niassa Special Reserve, Terêncio Tamele, encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge they had received wisely and to inspire other young people in their communities so that everyone can build a prosperous future.
The graduates expressed their gratitude and optimism for the initiative in improving the quality of life. Sofia Miguel, who completed the cookery and confectionery course, explained that the training taught her how to cook with love and serve others, reinforcing the importance of promoting health and well-being through food. She noted that the skills she had gained will bring direct benefits to the districts of Niassa by supporting the growth of gastronomy and enhancing tourism in the region.
Raquezanda Cassimo, a graduate of the electricity and photovoltaic systems course, also highlighted the benefits of the training and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to acquire new knowledge in a supportive learning environment.
Raquezanda Cassimo, a graduate in Electricity and Photovoltaic Systems
The training equipped the graduates with skills that can support them to launch their own small businesses and income-generating activities that can boost the local economies of Mecula and Mavago districts in Niassa province.
MozNorte is a five-year project (2021–2026) with BIOFUND as the fiduciary agency responsible for supporting the management of the Conservation Areas involved in the landscapes defined in the program.
Graduates of the Cutting and Sewing Course showing the results of their work