In late February 2026, as the sun beat down on Mozambique, a profound sense of hope filled the air. From February 24 to March 7, a delegation of 19 representatives from the Tzu Chi Foundation—including medical professionals and media teams—visited the nation to witness a historic turning point in local education. The mission’s highlight was the official handover of two flagship schools: Esturro Primary School and Nhamatanda Secondary School. These buildings represent more than just physical structures; they signify a new chapter for thousands of children who once faced an uncertain future.
A symbol of resilience
In Mozambique, statistics show that over 30% of the population completes only a primary education, with poverty frequently forcing children to drop out. To safeguard the dreams of the younger generation, Tzu Chi has undertaken the construction of 23 schools across the region. On February 26, the national "School Opening Day" was celebrated at the newly completed Esturro Primary School.
President Daniel Chapo personally attended the ceremony to cut the ribbon. Addressing the gathered crowd, he noted that the school, which features 46 classrooms, was made possible through the support of the Tzu Chi Foundation. He remarked that the organization has become a symbol of perseverance in the country. The campus spans over 12,000 square meters and now provides a learning environment for 4,598 students.
LEFT: On February 25, the Taiwan delegation arrived in Beira, Mozambique, where government officials greeted them. RIGHT: On February 26, the team visited Esturro Primary School in Beira, where students welcomed them with flower garlands and shared their dreams for the future. | Photos: 20260302 Charity Report
During the opening, students wore flower garlands and performed songs in Chinese, their eyes bright with ambition. When asked about their goals, voices rang out with aspirations to become doctors, teachers, and police officers.
We are grateful to Dharma Master Cheng Yen for making our dreams come true. In the future, there will be presidents, doctors, and teachers among us. We will work hard to make these dreams a reality so that those who cared for us will be proud.
— Student Representative
Expanding opportunities for youth
The delegation also visited Nhamatanda Secondary School. Originally a facility with only 30 classrooms, the school struggled to accommodate an increasing number of students. To meet the demand, Tzu Chi expanded the campus to 66 classrooms, making it the largest secondary school in Mozambique.
Dino Foi, the main contact person for Tzu Chi Mozambique, was moved as he spoke during the ceremony. He noted that such a large-scale educational development had not been seen in the 50 years since the country’s independence. Dino also announced the successful completion of the Great Love Village housing project, which has delivered 3,182 homes to families in need.
LEFT: Students perform the Tzu Chi song about filial piety, "Kneeling Lamb," featuring Chinese singing, Portuguese sign language, drama, and local musical instruments. RIGHT: Dino Foi (right) stated that Tzu Chi has never forgotten those who suffer alone and expressed gratitude for the community's trust. | Photos: 20260302 Charity Report
The impact of these facilities is already visible in the data. Lourenço Bulha, the Governor of Sofala Province, shared that student attendance has increased by 30% since the new buildings were completed. Even children living in distant areas are now willing to walk long distances daily because they are proud of their school environment.
Cultivating character and self-reliance
Beyond the construction of walls and roofs, the initiative focuses on "humanistic education" to transform lives from within. At the Nhangau Community Center, local leaders welcomed the team to observe vocational training programs. The center features a cinema area showing educational stories and offers handicraft workshops designed to help residents achieve self-reliance.
LEFT: The Governor of Sofala Province (center) presided over the school opening, emphasizing the need to care for the new facility and bring change to the community. RIGHT: Following the ceremony, President Daniel Chapo (left) met with Tzu Chi's Vice President Pi-Yu Lin (林靜憪, right) and the Tzu Chi team. | Photos: 20260302 Charity Report
Mary, a representative from UNICEF, praised these efforts, noting that Tzu Chi’s work in promoting social behavioral change and community cohesion has made a deep impact. The presence of Jing Si Aphorisms painted on school walls has also subtly shifted the campus culture. Teachers observed that while there was previously little awareness regarding campus maintenance, students have become more disciplined, organized, and caring toward their environment.
As Dino Foi reflected, while the community celebrated the completion of the buildings, the true cause for celebration is the future of the children who will walk through those doors. In Mozambique, hope is no longer a distant concept; it is found in clean classrooms and the determined spirit of students striving for a better life.
Written by Hsiang-Hui Huang (黃湘卉)
