Support vulnerable teenagers through arts, Beira Mozambique

Please help me supplement grants from Bristol Rotary, to continue the successful project “Social Protection through the Arts” for vulnerable young people in Beira, Mozambique.

THE PROJECT

Created and run by local professional dance teacher Natercio Bazo, the project takes place at the Casa de Cultura in Beira. It offers a safe space for vulnerable young persons to participate in formal dance training, as well as cultural events, games, recreational activities, and discussions on health and education. At each session, three times a week, the project also provides transport and food - this may be the only food the young persons have for the day. Participants meet others who have already benefited from the project, stabilized their lives, and developed personally and professionally. Vulnerable young people can find formal and informal support that they would not find otherwise, make new friendships and envisage a different future.

THE NEED

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world and Beira is exposed relentlessly to natural disasters such as cyclones and flooding, exacerbated by climate change. Cultural needs are neglected both during a humanitarian emergency and during recovery (non-emergency) projects. Participation in the arts accelerates recovery from personal trauma, especially after damage caused by extreme weather events in Beira.

In poor neighbourhoods of Beira, poverty, weak family ties, poor public social protection systems or precarious support networks, drive many young people into early marriage, prostitution, bullying, discrimination, and crime. Young people with disabilities and teenage girls are particularly vulnerable due to local cultural attitudes. Young people need social connection, recognition, and a support network.

THE OUTCOME

Instigated by Nancy Kordouli, Phase 1 of the project was financed by Rotary Bristol www.rotarybristol.org, facilitated by Bristol Link with Beira www.bristolbeiralink.org with local non-profit ADEL Sofala www.adelsofala.org.mz/ acting as monitoring partner. After 60 sessions, the project had a positive impact on the 12 young people's lives who took participated regularly in the project for at least 6 months. They stabilized their daily lives, made new friends and did not return to the dangerous conditions identified before the project. Some found opportunities for professional development avoiding illegal activities, crime and other dangers. Natércio made a video to show the progress of the students which is on the Bristol Link with Beira YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/mi0R9TIsYfg?si=T-NwGp0hxse988wD and we were all touched by their enthusiasm. We expect the team to achieve similar positive results in Phase 2.

YOUR DONATION

Bristol Rotary funded Phase 1 of the project and is part-funding the second year as Phase 2. With your kind support the project can continue supporting vulnerable young people:

£250 covers all project costs for one month. This includes transport and food for twelve participants, a basic salary for the teacher, performance materials and modest administration costs.

£15 covers the cost of food and transport for one participant for one full month, three times a week.

If you would like more information, please contact Bristol Link with Beira is a project of UK registered charity no. 1200189, Southern Africa Resource Centre, eligible for Gift Aid.

Thank you for your support!