In the heart of inland Mozambique, a transformation spanning generations is taking root in the village of Ndeja. Following the official ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the Ndeja Community Center in late February 2026, this Great Love Village—once devastated by Cyclone Idai in 2019—has celebrated more than just the completion of physical buildings. It marks a profound milestone in the emotional and social reconstruction of a community moving from recovery to self-reliance.
The dignity of a name
One of the most moving moments of the ceremony involved Tome Fobra, the 63-year-old president of the Ndeja Primary School Parents' Association. Having spent his entire life unable to read or write, Fobra seized the opportunity to join literacy classes organized by Tzu Chi at the school. Starting with basic strokes, he practiced diligently to master the most personal of marks.
In front of the gathered crowd, Fobra held a pen with trembling hands and slowly, deliberately signed his own name.
I am sixty-three years old. When the principal invited me to attend classes, I wondered if it was too late for me to learn. But I did it! Look, everyone, I can write my own name! This is the opportunity Tzu Chi gave me—to be able to sign my name for the first time in my life. I am so grateful to Dharma Master Cheng Yen.— Tome Fobra, Parent Association President
LEFT: Tome Fobra excitedly shows his signature, grateful for the chance to learn to write his name. RIGHT: The newly completed Ndeja Primary School provides a safe and modern environment for learning. | Photos: Tzu Chi Foundation
Models of resilience and growth
The students and teachers of Ndeja Primary School showcased their progress through creative humanistic projects. Using recycled materials, the children constructed a series of house models that tell the story of their village's evolution. The models depict the journey from the leaky, fragile straw huts used after the 2019 cyclone to the sturdy new homes built by Tzu Chi, complete with beds and space for furniture.
The school principal shared these models with Pi-Yu Lin (林靜憪), Vice President of the Tzu Chi Foundation, explaining that they serve as a reminder to ensure the community remembers its past while looking toward the future.
LEFT: A series of handmade models shows the village’s transition from post-disaster huts to permanent housing. RIGHT: Before the new facilities were built, students at Ndeja Primary School often had to study outdoors. | Photos: Tzu Chi Foundation
The principal expressed a bold vision for 2030, stating that once the community is even more self-sufficient, they plan to expand their homes themselves. He warmly invited VP Lin to visit again in the future, promising a home with a bed and a television, where he would personally cook a meal for her.
Cultivating a culture of giving
Beyond academic learning, Ndeja Primary School has begun to instill a spirit of "palms facing down"—the idea of becoming a giver rather than just a receiver. In a significant act of communal support, the school donated the corrugated iron roofing from their old temporary classrooms to two even more remote schools.
The principal and teachers regularly lead students to visit and care for vulnerable families in the countryside. These actions allow the children to practice the core values of compassion and community service. They are learning that one does not need to be wealthy to help others; a willing heart is enough to become a source of strength for the community.
LEFT: Ndeja Primary School donated its previous iron roofing to other remote schools in need. RIGHT: The village cinema regularly screens educational stories for local children. | Photos: Tzu Chi Charity Mission Report
Safeguarding health and heritage
The new community center serves as the cultural heart of the village. Within its walls, a small cinema managed by a resident named Sam plays educational stories. Sam observed that since the children began watching these stories, their behavior and attitudes have gradually improved, replacing old habits with kindness.
To address health concerns, particularly developmental issues among local children, Vice President Lin coordinated with Dr. Vanessa to provide ongoing medical follow-ups. Additionally, Dr. Chia-Hung Wei (魏嘉宏) from a Canadian Traditional Chinese Medicine team demonstrated pediatric acupressure techniques to parents. These simple yet effective health practices provide families in remote areas with the tools to manage basic well-being. The inauguration of the Ndeja Community Center signifies a village ready to embrace a new chapter of hope and self-determined growth.
Written by Hsiang-Hui Huang (黃湘卉)
