#13 Visit my sponsor child in Mozambique

Every since I can remember, I’ve always hoped that one day I could sponsor a child from a less privileged country than my own and provide some hope for a better life.  I then wanted to be able to go and visit my child’s village and see the progress the community has made from my contributions.  It was because of this dream that when I began full-time work 3 years ago, I contacted World Vision and was put in touch with a beautiful Mozambican boy named Jocate.   Finally, earlier this year in March, I got to fulfil my entire dream – to visit Jocate and his beautiful family in his little village in northern Mozambique. 

Welcome song! 

                             

                                   Beautiful Jocate stole my <3

I can’t really describe the feeling when you meet someone that has been a part of your life, virtually but not physically – a drawing on your fridge or a picture on your mantelpiece – for the very first time.  The overall visit was an incredible experience and something that I’ll cherish forever – and I hope it’ll be the same for Jocate and his family.  I look forward to when I can return to Mozambique and visit Jocate again, to watch him grow up to be a young man. 

Learning to write his name...

I arrived into Nampula, the financial capital of Mozambique.  I didn’t know what I expected but I was definitely surprised when I arrived from Nairobi in Kenya.  The main streets were dirt, not bitumen, littered with potholes and scattered with wooden stalls with hundreds of locals selling produce and household items.  For someone coming from a very lucky country as Australia, this was a complete culture shock for me – Mozambique definitely still has a long way to go before it gets completely “westernised” (something which I believe is actually a benefit to the country).  I learnt from my WV guide that the government is trying to minimise the westernisation and limiting expatriates from setting up businesses and taking money out of the country.  They are attempting to plant these opportunities in the minds of locals to set up similar businesses, keeping the economic growth for the locals who need it and the country to prosper.  I really hope the government continues this – even if it is only for the selfish reason of seeing Jocate benefit from the country’s development. 

Having some lunch...delicious!

We headed off from Nampula the next day on a 2 hour drive.  Once I arrived at the WV office, we had a quick debrief before we heading to Jocate’s community.  We stopped at the school, approximately 2km from his house.  Here, we jumped on some motorbikes – my first time on one – for the short trip.  While I only had to hold on while one of the community members drove, it was still a crazy, local experience and extremely fun…that is of course, until I almost fell off into a massive water puddle!!!

Arriving into Jocate’s community, I was welcomed with a song and dance! The kids were so incredibly adorable and I wanted to hug them all :-) However, the first child cried at the sight of me!!! I must be that ugly! Later I was told that none of the children had ever seen a white person before (yeah that’s right, not yellow but white!) and so that’s why she was crying!! Bless!

Receiving gifts from the wonderful family!

We got to share a communal meal on blankets, where I felt a little strange as I was the only one eating with a spoon! They all must have thought I was so weird…while Jocate spoke his local tribal language, I had a translator with me, who could also talk Portuguese (the official language of Mozambique), making me feel a little stupid for only knowing my mothertongue! But it was great being able to communicate with Jocate and his family through the translator.  Jocate’s father works in the fields, farming peanuts, corn and sugar cane.  He would love to see all his children become teachers so they can teach younger children in the community. 

This was tough work!

Jocate is 10 years old and absolutely loves football!  Yes, I’ve been told by my passionate man that soccer is indeed “football” and that Australian football is rubbish….so yes, Jocate loves football.  He is learning Portuguese at school and I he showed me all his school books while I was there. I even got to teach him how to write his name – but he always had trouble with the letter e!! One of the great things for Jocate and the other kids in the community is that the school is only 2kms away, which is extremely close for African standards.  They can walk to school very easily.  The school is great; everyone has clothes, pens and books; but of course, the community always needs more! The only thing I would love to see is some desks for the kids, as they sit in between each other’s’ straightened legs on the dirt floor.  It must be difficult to write in their books that way - unless of course, they use each other’s’ backs!! :-)

I was also shown the water bore that has been installed close to the village where they can pump fresh water – I even got to try pumping it myself :-) Jocate’s dad told me that when it rains though, they are able to get fresh water by digging a hole next to the river and extracting from there.  So clever!  WV has also set up a healthcare community that is run by community members, primarily to help people infected with HIV.  It’s a great way to take medical care closer to the people. 

Learning at school....couldn't understand!

I had the most amazing time visiting Jocate and his family and am counting down the days when I can return! If anyone has been thinking about sponsoring a child, please just do it! It has a tremendous impact on African villages and communities and it’s always the best feeling to give something to those less fortunate than ourselves.  I can’t wait to watch Jocate grow up and see where he goes and what he does in his life.  Knowing that I can help him financially and also provide guidance and support, that’s the best thing for me! <3

Gorilla trekking is up next, so until then

xxx