Vocational Trainer in Mozambique
Can you teach vocational subjects like sewing, handicrafts, cooking or basic IT? If so you are needed at a Learning Centre on the northern coast of Mozambique.
One of the aims of our centre is to train local Mwani men and women in skills which could help to supplement their income, using materials which are easily available.
You will find many opportunities to share your love of Jesus with these Muslim people.
Qualities & Gifts Sought
You have a relevant qualification to offer training and expertise in the specific skill you will bring.
You have some Portuguese language (up to CEFR level B1), and can take opportunities to pick up some kiMwani or Ibo too.
You have some understanding of Islamic beliefs, and you love to share stories about your life and your faith, and enjoy praying and working in a team.
Our ref 232
About Mozambique
Mozambique is a country in Southeast Africa bordered by the Indian Ocean to the east, Tanzania to the north, Malawi and Zambia to the northwest, Zimbabwe to the west, and Swaziland and South Africa to the southwest. It is separated from Madagascar by the Mozambique Channel to the east. The capital and largest city is Maputo.
Between the first and fifth centuries AD, Bantu-speaking peoples migrated to present-day Mozambique from farther north and west. Beginning in the 11th century, Arab, Persian, and Somali merchants began establishing commercial ports along the coast, contributing to the development of a distinct Swahili culture and language.
The voyage of Vasco da Gama in 1498 marked the arrival of the Portuguese, who began a gradual process of colonisation and settlement in 1505. After over four centuries of Portuguese rule, Mozambique gained independence in 1975, becoming the People's Republic of Mozambique shortly thereafter.
After only two years of independence, the country descended into an intense and protracted civil war lasting from 1977 to 1992.
Mozambique is endowed with rich and extensive natural resources. The country's economy is based largely on agriculture, but industry is growing, and the tourism sector is also expanding.
However, the country is still one of the poorest and most underdeveloped countries in the world, ranking low in GDP per capita, human development, measures of inequality and average life expectancy.
Language, population and climate
The only official language of Mozambique is Portuguese, which is spoken mostly as a second language by about half the population. Common native languages include Makhuwa, Sena, and Swahili.
The country's population of around 29 million is composed overwhelmingly of Bantu people. The largest religion in Mozambique is Christianity, with significant minorities following Islam and African traditional religions.
Mozambique has a tropical climate with two seasons, a wet season from October to March and a dry season from April to September.
Culture, music and arts
Since most of the people of Mozambique are Bantus, most of the culture is native with Portuguese influence. With a nearly 500-year presence in the country, the Portuguese have greatly influenced Mozambique's cuisine.
Northern Mozambique is renowned for their wood carving and elaborate masks (see picture), that are commonly used in traditional dance.
Dances are usually intricate, highly developed traditions throughout Mozambique. There are many different kinds of dances from tribe to tribe which are usually ritualistic in nature.
With a nearly 500-year presence in the country, the Portuguese have greatly influenced Mozambique's cuisine, such as piri-piri chicken.
Radio programmes are the most influential form of media in the country due to their ease of access.
[Source: Wikipedia]
Mozambique has 61 people groups and 14% are considered unreached. The largest religion is Christianity at 51% of which nearly 11% are Evangelical. Islam is 17% and ethnic religions are 28%.
[Source: Joshua Project]
Pray for Mozambique:
- the poor who struggle day to day just to survive
- development
- literacy projects
- the challenge of disease. AIDS (16% of the adult population) and malaria (over 5 million cases a year)
- training church leaders
- radio used in church planting and teaching
- the northern unreached coastal peoples.
[source: Operation World]
WEC and Mozambique
WEC has opened a new work in the beautiful, but isolated north east of the country, amongst an unreached people group. They are fishermen, many of them poor, and living complicated lives without hope. Of the 120,000 (or so) there are just a handful of believers at present, who meet very informally. They have the New Testament in their language, a radio station and a team from another agency is reaching out further south.
The WEC team are praying for more workers to join them: men and women who have a passion for Jesus and compassion for these people.
There are many opportunities using friendship, mobile phones, literacy, education, medical and community skills.
Portuguese is the official language, but the local language must be learnt to live and serve effectively amongst these people.
Read more about WEC in Africa
If you are a church based in Mozambique, check out our ACTS13 branch.