A Peek At Mozambique

Postcards to our dear friends and family.

By: Alicia Sanchez & Zoe Schmidt

Mozambique- A Whole New View

Winding Roads

Beautiful Mountains

Vibrant Waters

Sparkling Maputo

My first day in Mozambique was full of large mountains and peaks, long spanning high plains, and beautiful coastal views. The flat Des Plaines land is great and all, but the view of the mountains here are breathe taking. East of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, south of Tanzania, northeast of Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa, Mozambique is a colorful and amazing place. To the east the bright beautiful blue waters of the Mozambique channel are unbelievable. The temperature stays around seventy-five degrees Fahrenheit in Maputo, the capital, but more north, where I’ll be heading soon, is warmer. I’ve arrived just as the November-March wet season is ending and the April-October dry season begins. I’ve kept an umbrella with me because the rainfall here is very spotty. I’ve gotten caught in it twice!

I miss you and will be home soon with lots of stories!

Macaza (Shrimp, and Lobster

Mozambique

“Capulanas”

Wood Carvings Interesting architecture

“Bomdia” my fellow friends! “Bomdia” means hello in Mozambique. Mozambicans live a much different life then you and I. Mozambicans speak many Native languages like Emakwa, Xisena, Xitsonga, and Ciyao. The main language they speak is Portuguese because Portugal colonized Mozambique. Religion is a major part to Mozambicans. I saw a lot of Christian churches and Mosque’s for Muslim people. Islam was very common in the north and along the coast. Since religion is big, what people wear is also important. As I was walking on the street I saw women wearing wrap around skirts called “Capulanas”, this symbolizes respect. The way they dress is sometimes because of their because certain aspects of their clothing can reveal their religion. Not only does religion effect their dress, but where they live too, Customs and traditions are practiced depending on the region. Since people live by the Mozambique channel most of the time they will be eating seafood from the coast.

I walked in the streets of Maputo I stopped to try some food. My favorite one was “Mu-kwana” its made of seafood mixed with coconut and cassava leafs. For breakfast I had “Mata-bicho” it was yummy!. The final food I ate was “Sope De Feigao Verdo”, made from green bean soup.

My time in Mozambique I visited theaters, listened to music, and learn fine art. The music is so different and creative. I heard music of Caribbean, one popular kind of music is “Marrabenta”. This music is meant to be played at festivals, celebrations, and entertainment. Mozambicans do famous wood carving in shapes of animals and other aspects. The traditional arts vary by religion and ethnic group. One of Mozambique artist Malangatana Valente Nguena helped preserve culture identity. I was so impressed by the dance skills of women. The most famous style dance I watched was “Tufo”, the way they shake the instruments amazed me.

MozambiqueA Land of the Past and the Present

I miss you all very much while I’m here in Mozambique, but I’m also learning a lot. You all know how much I go to the library, so before I left, I got a few books on Mozambique. I bet you guys didn’t know Portugal colonized Mozambique in the 1530’s. It effected the country a lot. The Mozambicans began protesting against Portugal’s rule in 1960. Sadly the first protest ended in a massacre. A war began 4 years later. A finance decrease was a partial cause for Portugal’s government to fall. In 1975, after an 11 year war, Mozambique gained independence and was free from Portugal’s direct rule. Though free from Portugal Mozambique is still facing problems. I know this is depressing, but poverty in Maputo is stretching, Curbing Malaria and HIV/AIDS are needing funds. I have donated, and given information to some health clinics. In the 1980’s war and famine led to death and economic destruction. Thankfully the people of Mozambique are doing fine at the moment. I absolutely love it here and can’t wait to get home and tell you even more about my trip!

Mozambique

MZM Currency Our own government Amazing People

I was walking down the street and saw that two people were talking to a crowd. I asked the translator who they were and he said that they were The Prime Minister and President from the multi-party government. There were also some people from the legislate. One man introduced himself as President Armando Guebuza. The other introduced himself as Prime Minister Luisa Dioga. They were talking about how some jobs have opened up. Some for fishing and shrimp catching, in the mines, and in the timber transport. They also spoke of a rise in cashew, tea, fish, cotton, timber, copper, shrimp, and mined minerals, (jewels/stones), export sales. They were also talking about how it was the 4th year out of the 5 year term in office. They spoke of how 18-year-olds can vote and that next year an election,(run on popular vote), will occur. I’ll be back with you guys by then, but it was cool to hear about the government here. I’ll be back to America soon. I can’t wait to see all of you!

Mozambique Clinic

Mozambique Medication

Mozambique

Fresh Drinking Water

Preventive Care

While I’m here in Mozambique I’m helping a health clinic giving information on how to prevent deaths and disease. The life expectancy is 38-48 years of age. Wow! “I would hate to not live my life until I’m hundred.” Also, there are common diseases like; Malaria, Intestinal, Malnutrition, and Tuberculosis.

One of the leading pediatrician I’m working with here told me 5 out of every 25 children die before the age of 5. I’m very grateful to have my little six-year-old brother healthy and strong. When mothers and children visit the clinic they receive free preventive care.

Moz

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Mozam

biqueFlood Waters

This past year a lot has happened in Mozambique since the Portuguese colonized. The educational opportunities for black Mozambicans was limited to 93%. Also, most of todays political leaders were educated in missionary school. Torrential rains have caused sea levels to rise to dangerous levels, this could lead for flood waters to rise. I met this man who told me on January 25th of this year, floods were displaced to 70,000 and killed 36 Mozambicans. More of this does lead to those flood waters rising. The U.N. said “it would appeal to it’s donors for additional funds to deal with the emergency.” Now the government is rushing in necessities to those in need. I read in a newspaper that the world bank board of executive development association credit US $89.4 million to boost food and farm productivity. I heard that in the north of Maputo a coal rush has broken out. People are traveling from miles around looking for a new life, this amazing resource, and a chance at fortune. I hope the airports aren’t too crowded when I leave for home.

A PEAK AT MOZAMBIQUEThanks for joining in our adventure in Mozambique! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!