The project "Peace through Economic Action and Community Empowerment" was launched in September in Chitengo, the headquarters of Gorongosa National Park. The project lasts five years and will help improve living conditions in the communities bordering Gorongosa National Park in an environment of peace and harmony. To this end, it will use an integrated, community-centred approach to tackle poverty and improve the inclusion of communities in decision-making about their own lives. The project has a special focus on women and girls and will help improve access to quality basic social services in health and education, expand economic livelihoods in particular, and improve the active participation of women and men in local dialogue structures and community development processes.
The Government of Canada is funding the project with 5 million Canadian dollars. It was approved in March 2021 and this launch ceremony marked the start of its actual implementation.
The project is aligned with the priorities of the Government of Mozambique. The first objective is to improve access to quality education and health services. The second is to improve employment and economic livelihoods through skills development and the value chain of locally produced goods. The third objective is to strengthen the involvement of men and women in community development committees. The project offers an opportunity to promote human dignity and the economic and social empowerment of the poorest and most vulnerable, especially women and girls, in an environment of peace and inclusive governance.
The project launch ceremony was chaired by the Secretary of State for Sofala Province, Stela Novo Zeca, and was attended by the High Commissioner of Canada, Carolina Delany, and the Administrators of the Districts of Gorongosa and Cheringoma; Gorongosa National Park was represented by Greg Carr and by the Administrator, Pedro Muagura.
