Graça Machel Among 12 Honored for Championing Children’s Rights by World Vision Mozambique
The full list comprises 12 individuals and entities who have made meaningful contributions through their actions and influence, helping to create an environment where children can thrive and live life in all its fullness.
Graça Machel was nominated and approved by a committee that includes the Advisory Council of World Vision Mozambique, in recognition of her ongoing advocacy efforts on both local and global platforms, particularly in support of the girl child.
“It is a great honor to receive this award on behalf of Mama Graça Machel, in recognition of the ‘Child Well-Being Champions’, on the occasion of World Vision’s 40th anniversary. This recognition reflects the commitment of all those who work daily for the well-being of our children. May this award inspire us to continue protecting, educating, and supporting every child, ensuring they grow up with dignity, love, and equal opportunities. Thank you very much!” Ana Rosa Durão, from the Community Development Foundation, on behalf of Graça Machel
Globally recognized as a social activist, Graça Machel, through her organization, the Foundation for Community Development, has worked with various sectors of society to promote development in health and education, including efforts to combat poverty among girls.
Other honorees include community leaders such as Ana Maria Matias, from central Tete Province, who was named a Child Well-Being Champion for sheltering vulnerable children, rescuing girls from early marriages, and strengthening community groups advocating for effective health and education policies in Angonia District.
Manuel Vasco Machaieie, a teacher from southern Gaza Province, was recognized for mobilizing parents, communities, Non-Government Organizations, and authorities to reintegrate out-of-school children and combat school dropout in his community.
Hermegildo Agito, a community leader, has consistently raised awareness among local populations about the negative impacts of early marriage. He supports girls forced into early marriages by helping reintegrate them into their families and schools and strongly advocates against early marriage in his district.
The award was also presented to the Sub-Committee of the Assembly of the Republic, a sovereign body that has shown sensitivity to the challenges faced by communities, especially the most vulnerable groups. Thanks to its commitment, structural instruments have been approved, such as the Law on the Prevention and Combating of Early Marriage and the Law on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The full list below:
