By Charles Jose Carlos, Isla  

Volunteer Dino Foi bends down to adjust a student's new uniform with care, as if tending to his own child. | Photo courtesy of Tzu Chi Foundation | Mozambique | 2024/12/06 

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai in 2019, Tzu Chi launched an ambitious school rebuilding project in Mozambique. In total, thirteen schools are being constructed—three in Beira and ten in Nhamatanda. As part of this initiative, Tzu Chi plans to distribute 23,000 school uniforms to students in these areas. 

A New Beginning for EPC de Ndeja Students 

Volunteer Dino Foi (right) symbolically hands over uniforms to Yahama County Chief Adamo Abdula Ossumane (second right) and others. | Photo: Charles Jose Carlos | Mozambique | 2024/12/06 

The distribution event for EPC de Ndeja was held at Ndeja Tzu Chi Great Love Village. Tzu Chi volunteer Dino Foi explained that 953 uniforms were prepared for the school, but only 801 were distributed to students from all grades except sixth grade, who were about to graduate. 

Students in their new uniforms, radiating confidence and enthusiasm. | Photo: Charles Jose Carlos | Mozambique | 2024/12/06

 Wearing their new uniforms, the students looked revitalized and spirited. EPC de Ndeja Principal Paulino expressed his satisfaction, saying, "Since Tzu Chi started providing meals for the children, school attendance has improved. Now, with the uniforms, enrollment rates are steadily increasing." 

Teachers and Community Leaders Praise the Impact 

Local teacher Agila was moved by the impact of the uniforms, stating, "In this challenging community, having uniforms not only brings energy to the children but also eliminates the disparities caused by different family backgrounds. This is a significant encouragement for the children; they are more willing to attend school and less likely to miss classes." 

Tzu Chi volunteers neatly arrange the brand-new uniforms for students at EPC de Ndeja. | Photo: Charles Jose Carlos | Mozambique | 2024/12/06

Nhamatanda County Chief Osman attended the distribution event and added, "The donation of uniforms has greatly reduced the financial burden on parents. This act of love and care is injecting new energy into Mozambique's education system, allowing children to face the future with greater confidence and hope."