Mozambique discards annually 116,000 tonnes of plastic
MozYouth Foundation and FOSCAMC unite to empower young women in green sectors
3:46 CAT | 15 Aug 2024
Photo courtesy: MozYouth Foundation
On Monday, August 12th, 2024, the MozYouth Foundation and the Fórum da Sociedade Civil para a Área Marinha e Costeira/Forum of Civil Society for Marine and Coastal Areas (FOSCAMC) signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of GIZ’s “Employment Promotion for Women for the Green Transformation in Africa” (WE4D) programme. This strategic partnership is set to create new professional opportunities for young Mozambican women, particularly within the sustainable blue economy and ecological practices in marine and coastal areas.
In a powerful speech delivered during the signing ceremony, Alzira Mahalambe, the Executive Coordinator of ABIODES and Secretariat of FOSCAMC, highlighted the historic significance of this collaboration. She remarked, “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for FOSCAMC as we formalize a shared commitment to integrating young people into the workforce, particularly in sectors crucial for the sustainable development of our nation. We see this as just the beginning of a long and fruitful journey together; one that will extend beyond this initial two-year cycle.”
Mahalambe further emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership within the broader context of Mozambique’s blue economy. “The timing of this MoU could not be more significant, as it coincides with the national launch of the Blue Economy Development Strategy by President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi. Our collaboration with MozYouth is set to be a key contributor to this strategy, providing job opportunities through valuable internships that will help our youth develop the skills needed to thrive in these emerging sectors,” she added.
Vanessa Muteia, Director of Operations at the MozYouth Foundation, emphasized the critical role of youth in Mozambique’s sustainable future, stating, “The green transformation is not merely an option but a necessity for ensuring a sustainable future. In a nation like Mozambique, with its vast and resource-rich coastline, we cannot properly transition without deliberately addressing our blue economy. The drivers of this transformation are undoubtedly today’s youth, and through this partnership, we are empowering them to lead the way.”
Pedro Santos, General Director of the MozYouth Foundation, highlighted the significance of investing in youth as Mozambique’s greatest resource: “In a country rich in natural beauty and resources, it is our youth who are the most abundant and valuable asset. Our collaboration with FOSCAMC under GIZ’s WE4D programme is a testament to our belief in the potential of Mozambique’s youth. Together, we are creating pathways for young women to thrive in sectors that are vital for the country’s sustainable future. ”
The MoU outlines a two-year collaboration, during which MozYouth Foundation will provide selected interns with comprehensive work readiness training and soft skills development. These internships, offered through FOSCAMC’s member organizations, are designed to equip young women with practical experience in sectors crucial to Mozambique’s sustainable development.
FOSCAMC, a key player in the preservation of marine and coastal ecosystems and the promotion of community livelihoods, will facilitate the identification of suitable member organizations and ensure alignment with the criteria of sustainable blue economy practices. They will also be responsible for developing internship plans and monitoring the progress of the internship program.
The ceremony was attended by key representatives from both organizations, including members from Associação para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável (ABIODES), UDEBA LAB,Associação do Meio Ambiente (AMA), Comité de Gestão de Recursos Naturais de Nhangau (CGRN Nhangau), and Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF), highlighting the broad support for this initiative across various sectors.
MozYouth Foundation continues to lead the way in creating pathways for young Mozambicans to thrive in the job market, and this collaboration with FOSCAMC under GIZ’s WE4D programme is a testament to their ongoing commitment to empowering the next generation, with a special focus on women in the green economy.
About the MozYouth Foundation
The MozYouth Foundation was established in 2023 following an incubation period with MozParks. MozYouth’s founders include MozParks, Hollard Insurance, and FNB, who have been instrumental in supporting and funding the foundation. Officially beginning its operations as a foundation in February 2024, MozYouth is committed to enabling Mozambican youth for a positive societal impact through internships, entrepreneurship, and training.
To date, MozYouth has facilitated more than 1,000 internships, partnered with over 100 companies, and boasts a success rate where more than 50% of interns are hired by the companies where they interned.
For more information, visit [www.mozyouth.co.mz](http://www.mozyouth.co.mz).
Instagram @mozyouth
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About FOSCAMC
The Fórum das Organizações da Sociedade Civil para a Área Marinha e Costeira (FOSCAMC) is a leading platform that actively promotes and ensures the involvement of civil society in decision-making processes related to marine and coastal activities in Mozambique. FOSCAMC is committed to fostering a participatory, transparent, and sustainable approach to managing these vital resources.
With a mission to elevate the voice of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) working in the marine and coastal sectors, FOSCAMC advocates for the implementation and enforcement of existing legislation, strengthens dialogue between the government and civil society, and empowers communities to sustainably utilize marine and coastal resources. FOSCAMC’s vision is centered on enhancing collaboration among its member organizations to achieve these goals.
For more information, contact [[email protected]]
Source: MozYouth Foundation / Media Release
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