How Young People Are Transforming Uncertainties into Opportunities in Northern Mozambique
By Lopes Nazere Lopes,
In northern Mozambique, in the rural communities of Murrupula district, young people who drop out of school early often face limited opportunities for employment and income generation.
Without vocational skills or access to start-up support, many struggle to build stable livelihoods and support their families. This was the reality for many of the 20 vulnerable youth (12 boys and 8 girls) supported through the Kazuzu Literacy and Life Skills Project, funded by World Vision UK.
Among them was Osvald, a 24-year-old. Like many young people in his area, Osvaldo had few opportunities to continue his education or secure meaningful employment.
Determined to change his future, he joined the projectʼs vocational and entrepreneurship training programme, where he specialized in tailoring and sewing.
After completing his training in 2023, Osvaldo received a start-up kit from the project, enabling him to begin his tailoring business within his community. With growing confidence and entrepreneurial skills, he later expanded his activities by opening a small business selling dried fish, salt, and soap to local community members.
Osvaldoʼs is making the best from his diversified livelihood, which has allowed him been able to start and support his own family, providing food and clothing for his wife and daughter.
Blessed is the only word Osvaldo finds when he reflects on his journey: “I have been blessed; my wife and daughter have enough to eat and wear. And I dream of opening a small business for my wife at the local market.”
Osvaldoʼs story is not an isolated success. It reflects the broader impact of the Kazuzu Literacy and Life Skills Project, which is equipping vulnerable youth with practical vocational and entrepreneurial skills linked to local value chains.
Through this support, young people are gaining hope, dignity, and the ability to contribute positively to their families and communities.
Today, Osvaldo stands as an example of how World Visionʼs investment in youth empowerment is transforming lives one young entrepreneur at a time.