Mozambique Diary: Day 15

Today we are to visit one of the thirteen pre-schools MCC is supporting through a grant to the Anglican Church Rural Education project. About six hours after leaving Beira in a Toyota Hilux 4WD we turn off the main road and stop in front of the local District office. Several local officials join us and before long we have turned onto a foot path that leads us through fields, over stumps and rocks and between lush maize crops. Slowly we inch our way forward zigging and zagging around obstacles until a pounding on the roof calls for a stop.  We have taken a wrong turn about 20 minutes into the drive. Quickly the four men in the back jump out and move to a place where there is cellphone reception and animatedly discuss our situation and where we went wrong.

After about 5 minutes of discussion our location and direction is figured out and we are told to turn around (no small feat on a footpath with trees and stumps all around) and return to the village. Eventually we turn onto the 'right' path and continue on our journey. It is evident that the community has prepared for us.  Before long a 'runner' appears and guides us through the terrain. Soon we come to the bridge across the stream they have built for our arrival. The poles and sand bags hold and we slowly move across.

 Upon arrival we are greeted with a throng of children and adults - all who have been waiting for our arrival. It is time to celebrate the work that has been accomplished. Children who have never held a crayon or likely seen a book have been introduced to the world of creative education. They are preparing for a future that will be more promising than what they are currently experiencing. Introductions and song fill our ears for quite some time.

Before we hear their stories we are invited to an hour and a half trek to see the 'shamba' (garden) which provides both food for the children and financial resources to the pre-school. The sorghum and millet towers above our heads (approx 12 feet) as we wend our way to the farm. The community looks after the farm - but only after their own crops are attended to. On the way back from this 'venture' it is the MCC Rep who leads the way through the swamps and tall grass...

Now it is time to hear the stories of the people - how this creche came to be, how it has impacted their children, why it is important, and even to hear some complaints. Many voices speak out - both men and women.  The people are thankful and satisfied with what has been happening and committed to ensuring that this school goes forward.

After an hour or so the group is dismissed and we are brought a basin and towel - to wash up for a dinner of chicken, shima and rice. While people are visiting I slip out to take pictures of the children. Their two male teachers are teaching them learning songs. They sing and dance and clap. It is a delightful sight and my heart is warmed to know that these twenty seven young children will have a chance, a chance to get an better education for having been part of this pre-school.  Before long we leave the school site with provisions for the journey of sugar cane and cassava, and we go with hope!