Mozambique's First Great Love Village: By the end of April 2024, all 410 Great Love houses were completed, marking a significant milestone in the Idai relief efforts. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | 2024/04

In response to the destruction caused by Cyclone Idai in 2019, Tzu Chi set out to help rebuild 23 schools and 3,000 Great Love homes in Mozambique. In the heavily affected area of Metuchira village in Sofala province, Tzu Chi has now completed the construction of 410 Great Love homes. The final batch of 215 houses was handed over on June 17 this year, marking Tzu Chi’s first fully completed Great Love Village in Mozambique. President Filipe Nyusi attended the ceremony to witness and bless the event.

LEFT: In the aftermath of the Cyclone Idia, many makeshift homes were left destroyed. RIGHT: Newly build Great Love homes have sprung up, bringing life to the village. Residents now look forward with hope and greater expectations for the future. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation

The once barren land devastated by the Cyclone Idai is now dotted by white houses with blue rooftops, teeming with life and activity. Dino Foi, the main contact person for Tzu Chi Mozambique expressed, "Today (June 17), with the handover of all 410 houses, we have reached a new milestone, completing the first step of this major challenge." Additionally, Tzu Chi Mozambique volunteer Quizito Baera, said, "Our first task is to protect the resources Tzu Chi has given us and cherish the love we have received."

The planning for the Great Love Village began in 2019. Tzu Chi conducted three on-site investigations to document and initiate plans for the schools and villages that would receive assistance. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation
In June 2023, the first batch of Great Love homes was handed over, opening a new chapter for the village. The money originally saved for building houses could now be redirected towards children's education and agriculture. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | 2023/06

The old site of Metuchira village was located in a low-lying area near the river, leading to great devastation when Cyclone Idai swept through in 2019. In the aftermath, Tzu Chi signed a memorandum of cooperation with the government to relocate the villagers to higher ground. Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and more cyclones, the project broke ground in April 2022 and the first batch of homes was handed over in less than a year. In June this year, President Nyusi witnessed the handover ceremony for the final batch of 215 houses, making this Tzu Chi’s first fully completed Great Love Village in Mozambique with a total of 410 houses.

LEFT: For the official handover of Metuchira's Great Love homes, Mozambique's President Nyusi (center) attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony and toured the new homes. RIGHT: Mozambique President (right), Tzu Chi volunteers Denise Tsai (left 1), Dino Foi (left 2)

President Filipe Nyusi said, "The completion of these new homes will greatly improve lives. I told the Minister of Public Works that while these may seem small to us, they have a huge impact on the people."

Many villagers have become volunteers at the Great Love Farm, realizing the vision of self-sufficiency and community well-being. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation

Villagers moved from thatched huts to cement houses with proper windows and doors, fully furnished, and each with its own toilet. This area, once categorized as a major disaster zone in need of aid, now has 262 volunteers who support each other. Quizito Baera assured, "Dear Master, do not worry. We are determined to pass on all your teachings and share the love with more people."