Mozambique
» Capital: Maputo» Population: 19.4 million
» Concern started work in: 2000
» Concern's annual budget: €3,368,531
» Concern staff: 121
» GDP per capita: US $1,237
» Life expectancy: 41.6 years
» Living with HIV&AIDS: 16.1%
» Literacy: 46%
» Currency: Metical
Mainstreaming HIV within an Education Programme
Why Concern became involved
1.2 million people are infected with HIV in Mozambique, a country with a population of 18 million.
Ranking 168 out of 177 on the 2005 UN Human Development Index, over half of Mozambicans live below the poverty line.
The Government sees education as an important tool in enabling its people to move out of poverty, making significant progress in increasing access and quality of primary education and reducing gender inequality.
However the impact of HIV&AIDS is hindering this progress as teachers, parents, community leaders and children are affected.
Of the 1.5 million orphans living in Mozambique, one third lost their parents to AIDS.
Children, from very young ages to stay away from school to look after sick parents, watching them die. Left without families, having look after younger siblings, or discrimination they can face prevents them returning to school.
Education is central to combating the spread of HIV&AIDS, not only through prevention but reducing stigma and promoting a supportive environment.
What Concern has done
Working in partnership with the Ministry of Education and two other local organisations: Magariro and ANDA, Concern Mozambique is conducting education programmes in Manica and Zambezia Provinces.
The main objectives are:
• Improve school infrastructure
• Build the capacity of school councils
• Promote all children’s right to education, particularly girls
• Improve the technical quality of education, supporting literacy and adult education
Strengthening School Councils have proven to create a safer and more supportive environment, for children, particularly girls. Using a methodology called Circles of Support, the community takes responsibility for children attending school, are free from abuse (sexual or other) in school and supports to the most vulnerable children, especially those orphaned as a result of HIV&AIDS.
This case study illustrates how Concern addressed HIV&AIDS related issues in its education programme.
Download full case study in .pdf (2MB)
