This week, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Head of Office at the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) regional office in Maputo, conducted a mission in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, together with Malawi and Mozambique, falls within the purview of the AICS Regional Office in Maputo.

In Harare, the capital of the country, the Head of Office held meetings with the Delegation of the European Union, the Italian Embassy, Zimbabwean companies participating in Macfrut, as well as with the FAO. It is worth noting that, with this United Nations agency, two projects funded by AICS were recently approved, aimed at improving the agricultural value chain, trade, and the integrated sustainable management of miombo forest areas in the transboundary regions between Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

During his stay, the Paolo Enrico Sertoli, also visited the Province of Masvingo, where he could personally assess the status of the “Seeds for the Future” project, implemented by a consortium of NGOs led by Cospe On Plus and funded by AICS. The project supports smallholder farmers in 25 wards across 3 districts (Chiredzi, Mwenezi, and Masvingo) in adopting sustainable agricultural models. These models allow for the development of local and diversified food systems, socially just, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable, thus enhancing resilience factors.

In one of these districts, specifically in Mubagwashe, on April 24th, along with Zimbabwean authorities and partners, he attended the inauguration of a dam and a community garden. In his speech, he emphasized that the infrastructure inaugurated will bring a positive change for rural communities to “achieve food and nutrition security with a diversified diet and acquire greater adaptability to the effects of climate change,” notably allowing the dam to “combat drought induced by the El Niño phenomenon.”

On April 26th, the Head of Office, accompanied by the Italian Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Umberto Malnati, participated in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Company, the country’s main trade fair aimed at promoting trade and investment. During their stay, they visit the stand of the Team Europe initiatives, where the “Seeds for the Future” project was also highlighted. They took advantage of this opportunity to present to visitors the results already achieved by the project, including the recently inaugurated dam and community garden…

This year we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science with the theme “Female Leadership in Science: A New Era for Sustainability,” and the sub-theme “Think of Science… Think of Peace” recognizing the role of women and girls in science, not only as agents of change but also as promoters of peace.

In this context, we want to tell the life story of Nádia Muchanga, a young marine biologist working in Inhaca who recently participated in the Summer School, a 5-week university exchange program in Italy and Mozambique, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The program involved Mozambican and Italian students, with a focus on studying and conserving mangroves.

The conservation of marine ecosystems is essential for human and marine survival. Nádia Muchanga, a graduate in Marine Biology and currently studying biology and conservation ecology, has worked with coastal communities on Inhaca Island in Mozambique to promote sustainable fisheries management and address challenges such as resource scarcity.

One conservation measure implemented by Nádia and her team was the establishment of fishing prohibited zones, which involve closing fishing activities for a certain period, especially during peak species reproduction. However, these restrictions can lead to conflicts, generating the need to find alternative sources of livelihood for local communities.

To ensure understanding, social peace, and collaboration among communities, Nádia emphasizes the importance of scientific knowledge, particularly environmental education. Through focus groups and the dissemination of scientific information on the need for fishing prohibited zones and ecosystem conservation, secondary school children have become not only awareness agents but also biodiversity conservation agents and promoters of peace in Inhaca.

Awareness of natural resource conservation is not limited to local communities. During her participation in the Summer School at the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” Italy, organized through the Mangrowth program[1] last year, Nádia noticed differences in the scientific analysis between Italian students and her Mozambican colleagues. While theory was well developed in Mozambique, practical experience in laboratories was limited. She said, “I was impressed by the quantity and variety of laboratories where my Italian colleagues can put theory into practice, so I welcome with great joy the initiative of Italian Cooperation with Eduardo Mondlane University to provide us access to high-quality laboratories, like the one planned on Inhaca Island, with opening expected by the end of this year.”

This exchange of knowledge, experiences, and culture has enabled the building of a collaboration network among students, who continue to work together even after the conclusion of the Summer School. An example of this collaboration is a study they are jointly developing on the types of fish found in mangroves, which will be presented at the Marine Biodiversity Conference scheduled for June 2024 in Nacala.

The learning acquired during the Summer School has also contributed to formulating proposals for environmental conservation. Nádia and her team have drafted a carbon decree to quantify the amount of carbon that can be absorbed in Inhaca. This proposal aims to present the mangrove ecosystem and generate benefits for local communities. Environmental education plays a fundamental role in this process, raising awareness in the community about the importance of ecosystems and encouraging the conservation of these natural resources.

Establishing peace is crucial for promoting ecosystem conservation and preservation. It is only in peaceful environments that environmental protection can be effective and valuable. Therefore, environmental education is extremely important to ensure the preservation of ecosystems for future generations.

Nádia acknowledges the crucial role of AICS in environmental education, allowing diverse cultures to come together for conservation. The program developed by the agency promotes knowledge exchange and generates scientific benefits that are advantageous for the population as a whole. In 2024, AICS will continue to support the realization of a new Summer School, thus ensuring that future generations have continuous access to environmental education.

The young biologist also thanked the support of Italian Cooperation for women and girls in science, emphasizing that “it provides resources and opportunities that help promote gender equality and the advancement of women in scientific careers in Mozambique.”

Nádia Muchanga is an example of the important role that young Mozambican girls can play in promoting science for ecosystem conservation. “I hope my story inspires other young Mozambican girls to pursue scientific careers, thus contributing to the scientific and technological progress of the country.” On the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Nádia also emphasized that “women bring unique perspectives that can lead to new discoveries and innovative solutions to challenges faced by Mozambique.”

[1] AICS, in collaboration with the University of Rome “La Sapienza,” UEM, and MIMAIP, is implementing the “Mangrowth Preservation of Ecosystems for Sustainable Development” program, focusing on Inhaca Island and Maputo Bay (AID. 12432). This is a €3 million program, approved in October 2021, which includes three components: institutional support and coordination; development of scientific capacity at the Marine Biology Station of Inhaca (EBMI) and improvement of its technical and scientific capacity to implement effective strategies for biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration, with a focus on mangrove habitats; and reforestation and management of mangroves in Maputo Bay and the development of income-generating activities.

On October 10, 2023, the inauguration ceremony of the photo exhibition “O Corpo da Mãe” and the screening of the documentary “Barrigas” took place, both produced by the Italian visual artist Angelo Ghidoni, known as Aghi. This event was part of an emergency project funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS). The event was organized by AICS in collaboration with the Italian Embassy in Maputo and was held at the renowned Teatro-Scala in Maputo, Mozambique. It brought together more than 100 guests, including government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, United Nations agencies, students, journalists, and others. The photo exhibition will be open to visitors from October 10 to October 17, 2023.

The ceremony was opened by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, who emphasized the deep history of Italian cooperation in Mozambique, benefiting the country and the disadvantaged. He stressed the importance of sharing stories to “draw attention and contribute to a fair and sustainable world,” highlighting how these narratives also demonstrate “the professionalism, commitment, and dedication of the Italian cooperation.”

Paolo Sertoli, the Head of the AICS Office in Maputo, contextualized how these artistic products represented an initiative that played a significant role in improving the living conditions of people affected by cyclones Idai and Kenneth, benefiting approximately 400,000 people, including Rebeca, Mariazinha, and Julieta, who were the protagonists of the documentary “Barrigas.” Referring to the upcoming celebration of International Day of Rural Women (October 15), Paolo Sertoli appealed to everyone present to work together to address the many challenges that rural women face.

The inauguration continued with a visit to the photo exhibition “O Corpo da Mãe,” which consisted of 17 black and white photographs. In this exhibition, the artist Aghi explored the physical bond between mother and child in a journey that involved the three target provinces of the intervention in Mozambique: Cabo Delgado, Manica, and Sofala.

The event proceeded with the screening of the documentary “Barrigas,” set in a Casa Mãe Espera in the province of Manica. These facilities, located near healthcare centers, play a crucial role in promoting safe childbirth, thus contributing to the reduction of maternal and infant mortality. The documentary gave voice to the life stories of three women in the final days of their pregnancies.

After the screening of the documentary, there was a space for dialogue and reflection between the artist Aghi and the audience, which highlighted the important social role of the film, even though it focused on highly personal life stories. The artist concluded his participation with the sincere desire to share the documentary soon with the protagonists Rebeca, Mariazinha, and Julieta.

You can watch the documentary at the following link.

On October 9, 2023, the celebration of the 110th anniversary of the Maputo Natural History Museum took place. The event was attended by the Ambassador of Italy in Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Director of the Natural History Museum, Lucília Chuquela, the Rector of Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM), Manuel Guilhermo Júnior, the head of the Maputo Office of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), Paolo Sertoli, as well as representatives from the government, diplomatic corps, United Nations agencies, and civil society.

The Museum, inaugurated in 1913 as the Museum of the Province of Maputo, has over the years become a beacon for the preservation and promotion of Mozambique’s rich biodiversity and cultural diversity. For example, it houses a collection of 175,000 insects and has more than 500 artifacts related to various areas such as dance, sculpture, music, goldsmithing, ceramics, and basketry. Moreover, it is the most visited institution in Mozambique, receiving 32,000 visitors annually, making it an important tourist attraction in the country.

The Museum will now undergo a rehabilitation under the RINO program, which is funded by AICS. This project, with a funding of 9.5 million euros, aims to ensure the conservation of biodiversity and includes funding for the renovation works of the Museum, which will commence in early 2024 and will last for at least one year.

In his speech, the Italian Ambassador in Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, emphasized that once rehabilitated, the Museum will become “a valuable educational tool about biodiversity and local ecosystems” and an “important space for research and the training of young researchers.” He concluded his speech by highlighting that the renovation of the Museum is “a project that represents a pearl of our cooperation, something that will endure, be beneficial, and bring great advantages to Mozambique.”

On her part, Lucília Chuquela, the Director of the Museum, expressed her deep gratitude for the continuous support from the Italian government to the institution, further emphasizing that when the works are completed, “we will have a modern Museum capable of fully serving the functions of education, exhibition, and research.” Meanwhile, UEM Rector, Manuel Guilhermo Júnior, challenged the institution to make the most of the investment made, in order to “become a Museum of reference in Africa and the world.”

After the speeches, visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition panels detailing the Museum’s renovation process. The event concluded with a concert performed by the artist Rajih Ali.

Today, we celebrate the International Day of Sign Languages, a date aimed at highlighting the importance of sign languages in ensuring the human rights of individuals with hearing impairments.

In Mozambique, according to the latest official data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) in 2017, there were 68,000 people with hearing disabilities and mutism. People with hearing disabilities face various challenges, including the lack of a universally recognized sign language. Worldwide, there are over 300 varieties of sign languages, making communication more complex for individuals growing up in different regions. This linguistic diversity adds further communication barriers, alongside limitations in inclusive education and the risk of discrimination.

To ensure access to information for people with hearing disabilities, AICS has collaborated with the Mozambican company REMOTELINE. For example, during the National Conference on Quality Education in July, six REMOTELINE interpreters provided sign language interpretation in all sessions. At FACIM, AICS had REMOTELINE interpreters to translate lectures and the speech of the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, on Italy Day.

To commemorate the International Day of Sign Languages, we conducted an interview with Professor Albino Duvane, the founder of REMOTELINE. During this conversation, we explored the challenges faced by people with hearing disabilities in Mozambique, discussed potential solutions, and examined the crucial role that cooperation plays in promoting the inclusion of these individuals. For more information, please continue reading.

AICS Maputo Office: First of all, we would like to thank you for your availability. How did the need to study sign languages arise?

Professor Albino Duvane: Once, I was with a colleague conducting malaria awareness work in the Gaza Province. In one house, we encountered a person with a hearing impairment, and since I didn’t know sign language, I couldn’t share information on how to protect against this disease. I felt very frustrated for not being able to communicate with this person and share this important message.

This left me with a sense of guilt and ignited a sense of social responsibility. I realized that individuals with hearing disabilities were not at fault for not being able to hear or speak orally; the responsibility to adjust communication lay with me. I decided to learn sign language.

AICS Maputo Office: Could you then tell us how you learned sign language?

Professor Albino Duvane: My learning took place with a young man with a hearing impairment who was in my village teaching sign language at a religious convention. He shared some basic knowledge with me but could only stay for three days. Afterward, I conducted online research to learn more about American Sign Language, although I had to adapt it to our community’s needs as the local signs were different. At that time, there was no sign language school in Maputo, so it was a self-taught process with guidance from some individuals.

AICS Maputo Office: When did you start working for the inclusion of people with hearing disabilities?

Professor Albino Duvane: When I came to Maputo, I began assisting at the Central Hospital of Maputo, where a doctor friend of mine worked. I helped with interpretation when there were patients with hearing disabilities.

I collaborated with the Association of the Deaf and worked in partnership with FAMOD (Forum of Mozambican Associations of Persons with Disabilities). This allowed me to better understand how individuals with disabilities cope with their daily challenges, especially regarding communication. This experience instilled in me a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to create something that could help them.

AICS Maputo Office: So how did the idea of founding REMOTELINE come about?

Professor Albino Duvane: With the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020, I could no longer provide in-person assistance to patients at the Central Hospital of Maputo. That’s when the idea of providing services remotely came about, and thus, “RemoteLine” was born. The platform was created to continue supporting people with hearing disabilities, even in the context of COVID and in a remote manner.

AICS Maputo Office: During almost three years of existence, what have been the company’s successes?

Professor Albino Duvane: We conducted advocacy and awareness work with the National Assembly, requesting that all plenary sessions broadcasted on television include sign language interpretation. Since 2021, this has been happening, which was a significant achievement. We also collaborated with the United States Embassy, teaching sign language to all staff, including the Ambassador. Finally, it’s worth mentioning that FAMOD, besides being our partner, is also a client.

AICS Maputo Office: What does it mean for REMOTELINE and for you to collaborate with Italian Cooperation? How do you assess the collaboration with AICS in the context of FACIM and the National Conference on Quality Education?

Professor Albino Duvane: It is a great honor to work with Italian Cooperation. Italy sets a great example in the inclusion of people with disabilities. Working with you provides opportunities to improve our interventions for people with hearing disabilities. It is also an opportunity to continue our projects.

Regarding the second question, working at both events was of extreme importance. Our interpreters were able to provide simultaneous sign language translation for all the conferences and roundtable discussions at the National Conference on Quality Education, thereby fulfilling the event’s motto, “For Quality, Inclusive, and Equitable Education in Favor of Sustainable Development.”

Furthermore, it was a great honor to participate in FACIM. One of our interpreters felt deeply honored to provide simultaneous translation for the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, on Italy Day. Participating in FACIM also provided us with the opportunity to interact with various entities and introduce REMOTELINE, with the goal of promoting the inclusion of people with hearing disabilities in Mozambique.

AICS Maputo Office: What are the main barriers that people with hearing disabilities face in Mozambique?

Professor Albino Duvane: The issue of education has been a significant barrier for people with hearing disabilities, especially in the use of sign languages.

The biggest challenge faced by the deaf is when sign languages are not available. If they go to a hospital without an interpreter, proper diagnosis and treatment become problematic. It all comes down to the issue of communication. The key to overcoming these difficulties is ensuring access to sign language in all services provided.

AICS Maputo Office: What is the importance of having dates like the International Day of Sign Languages?

Professor Albino Duvane: These dates are essential for reflecting on the need to support people with hearing disabilities, reminding us that despite social progress, there are still individuals who require attention due to the neglect of their communication needs. In summary, these dates are opportunities to raise awareness and remind everyone about the importance of supporting people with hearing disabilities.”