Mozambique
Serving daily meals to children in communities vulnerable to extreme weather events.
Published onLife in Mozambique
Mozambique is currently ranked 183 out of 193 countries and territories in the Human Development Index (HDI) and almost 65% of the population live below the international poverty line ($2.15 per day).
Mozambique is located in Southern Africa and is identified as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change. It shares its borders with Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Tanzania, and Eswatini, and its coastline stretches more than 1,600 miles, running parallel to the island of Madagascar.
The country was ravaged by civil war between 1977 and 1992, and during this period an estimated 1 million lives were lost. Since 2017, conflict has been largely localised in the north around the province of Cabo Delgado. Around 780,000 people have been displaced because of the violence there, many of them women and children.
Food insecurity is high in Mozambique and malnutrition is rife among children: 38% of those under five years old are stunted. In 2022, more than a quarter of a million children under five were believed to have been affected by severe acute malnutrition (SAM). This situation is not only putting the lives of many children in danger but also their education, as an estimated 19% of all school dropouts are associated with chronic malnutrition.
Mary’s Meals in Mozambique
Mary’s Meals has been serving school meals in Mozambique since 2024.
Together with our local partner, Mozambique School Lunch Initiative (MSLI), we provide meals to more than 5,000 children attending schools in the semi-arid Mabalane District located in Gaza Province in the south. Our daily meals bring much-needed assistance to thousands of children whose families are vulnerable and living on the front line of climate change.
Emergency in Southern Africa
Southern Africa is experiencing its worst drought in 100 years. Six countries have declared a state of emergency, and the UN has called for action to avoid a full-scale humanitarian disaster in the region.
Crops have failed, cattle are dying, and food is scarce and expensive. Extreme temperatures and a lack of rain means families have little to get them through until the next harvest, which is expected to be very lean again this year.
The situation is desperate. Families have little to no food to put on the table and an estimated 21 million children are suffering from malnutrition.
In Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe, our school meals are bringing vital relief to families. The promise of Mary’s Meals means they know their children will eat at school and they can stretch the little food they have at home further.
Related Articles
- When did we start working in Mozambique?
Mary’s Meals began serving school meals in Mozambique in 2024.
- How many children do we feed in Mozambique?
We are currently reaching more than 5,000 children in Mozambique.
- What meal do we provide?
The meal consists of maize flour and beans.
- Where are we based/where do we operate?
We deliver school feeding in places of education in Mabalane District, within Gaza Province in southern Mozambique.
- What is the capital of Mozambique?
The capital city of Mozambique is Maputo.
- What language(s) are spoken in Mozambique?
Portuguese is the official language of Mozambique, but it’s only spoken by around half of the population. Other languages spoken include: Makhuwa, Changana, Nyanja, Ndau, Sena, Chwabo, and Tswa.
- What currency is used in Mozambique?
The Mozambique Metical (MZM).
- What is the population of Mozambique?
The population of Mozambique is 33,421,000.