Eneida Domingos, 21, has always believed that her future could be different. Determined, curious and hardworking, she was selected to attend the Electrical Installation course at IFPELAC, as part of training promoted by DELPAZ, in coordination with local district authorities responsible for mobilising and selecting participants — a choice that would go on to transform her life.

Daughter of a former Renamo guerrilla fighter, Eneida grew up in a context marked by the impact of armed conflict in her district, which delayed not only local development but also access to modern technologies, including more efficient and harmonious lighting systems, such as those seen in more developed cities in Mozambique and around the world.

From the very beginning of her training, she stood out for her dedication. While many classmates used the breaks to rest, Eneida would remain in the classroom, focused on wires, circuits and connections that fascinated her so much. “I really liked it,” she recalls. “Electricity fascinated me and I felt it could be a great opportunity for me.”

In a previous interview while she was still attending the course, she had said that this was the opportunity she had found to train, allowing her to gain knowledge to achieve her dream: to see her village using modern technologies for lighting homes and streets, with solutions such as photocells — which automatically switch lighting on — or smart lamps controlled by applications, still little used in her region, although already common elsewhere.

“The training helped me to come up with ideas to bring changes to my district, introducing solutions that many people already use in more developed cities,” she said enthusiastically.

After completing the course, she returned to Guro carrying not only technical knowledge but also a sense of purpose. Shortly afterwards, she secured a 45-day internship at Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM), where she further developed her skills. “I learned much more than just electrical installations. It was a huge opportunity for growth, but unfortunately EDM is not hiring new staff.”

However, returning to reality brought challenges. In a context still marked by prejudice, Eneida faced skeptical looks and doubts about a woman’s ability in a profession traditionally dominated by men. “A female electrician is still seen in a negative light,” she says. “But it is not true that we cannot do the work. We are just as capable as men.”

In a world where sexism still limits opportunities, pursuing a dream requires more than talent — it requires courage. And Eneida demonstrates this every day.

Gradually, opportunities began to emerge. “I have already done some installations in homes,” she explains. “They are still few, and I cannot yet support myself.” For each simple electric installation earns around 600 meticais, an amount still insufficient to achieve financial stability, especially in a context of strong competition in the village.

Even so, Eneida does not give up. She continues to believe that dreams are possible, even when the path is more difficult for a woman. “I would like to open a women’s electrical installation company. That is still my dream.”

Over the past year, she has completed more than ten installations and is slowly beginning to gain recognition. Looking to the future, she is considering moving to Mungari, where there is less competition and greater demand for electrical services. “I am still thinking about it. There is already electricity in Mungari but no electricians. I need to save some money to support myself in the first few months. I have some friends there who can help me, at least at the beginning.”

Eneida’s story is an example of perseverance in a world that does not always make the path easy for women. It is proof that, despite obstacles, dreams remain alive — and that with courage and determination, it is possible to light the future, step by step, wire by wire.

In Sanga, once a lively neighbourhood in the Guro district, there are now only a few houses. Over the years, most of its inhabitants have moved closer to the village in search of better living conditions — electricity, water, and other amenities. This new area has been officially named Sanga 2, although locals call it Medzachumbo. But not everyone left.

Among those who remained is Mr Feniasse Pita, chairman of the Sinembo Association — “Not me” — an organisation dedicated to supporting orphans and the elderly. Together with his family, he has continued to cultivate the land that has long sustained generations. His machamba (farm), vast and fertile, is a true mosaic of life: fresh vegetables, maize, and fruit trees bearing guavas, lemons, oranges and tangerines. In the bushland at the foot of the mountain, he also keeps improved beehives that produce high-quality honey.

It is in this environment that Tendai Pita, his son, now 31, grew up. From an early age, he learned the basics of farming by observing his father and working the land. However, Tendai aspired to go further. He attended the Manica Polytechnic Higher Institute and, in 2024, was selected for a training course at the Chimoio Agricultural Institute (IAC), promoted under the DELPAZ programme, in coordination with local authorities and institutions, as part of support for training and strengthening of initiatives such as the Sinembo association.

For Tendai, the training was more than a refresher — it was a revelation. “I already knew much of what the instructors explained, but I still learned many new things,” he says with conviction. Alongside his colleague Edson Lenate, 28, and five other young people, he began applying this knowledge on a machamba of nearly half a hectare, provided by his father.

The field is covered with lettuce and other vegetables. Using seeds received in the DELPAZ kit, they planted their first crop, sold it, and reinvested the proceeds. “This will be our second harvest, and we hope to earn enough to start making some profit,” Tendai says, hope in his eyes.

Among the techniques that most impressed them is the production of biopesticides. Using simple ingredients such as chilli, soap, and castor leaves, they learned to protect crops from pests in a more sustainable way. “The soap helps the mixture stick and traps the pests,” they explain. However, when infestations are severe, they still resort to insecticides — but with caution and daily monitoring.

Another innovation was the use of mulching, a technique that helps retain soil moisture — something they had never tried before.

The collective kit also included essential tools: hoes, machetes, watering cans, and a motor pump. Despite fuel shortages, they found a creative solution. “We use the motor pump with Dad’s solar energy,” says Tendai proudly.

Their produce is sold at Guro market or directly at the machamba, where customers come to buy. Edson, meanwhile, highlights another important lesson: maize storage. “Before, we stored the whole cob. At the IAC we learned to shell it and store only the grains, which improves preservation.”

For these young people, the course has been a real asset. The results are already visible in the land they cultivate and in the enthusiasm with which they speak about the future. And behind it all, among the mountains surrounding the machamba, remains the watchful, experienced gaze of Mr Feniasse — a silent guide who continues to sow knowledge and hope.