First Month in Mozambique: Learning, Teaching, and Connecting

After one month at ISET One World University in Changalane, Mozambique, our trio has focused on settling into the project, building relationships, and finding meaningful ways to contribute to both the university and the surrounding community.

Our Main Activities

Based on our backgrounds and interests, each of us took responsibility for a specific area:

• Pedagogy – Maria
• Environmental Protection – Fabiana
• Community Development – Andreea

During this first month, we supported classes, developed learning activities, and started student clubs focused on creative writing, science, and project management. We also taught English, assisted first-year students, participated in university meetings and events, and supported final-year students during their project presentations.

These activities helped us understand the daily rhythm of the university and gave us the chance to connect with students in different ways. Through both formal lessons and informal conversations, we began to learn more about their interests, challenges, and ambitions.

Building Community Connections

One of the most inspiring experiences has been our visits to the Changalane community. We learned about a community building that requires restoration and began planning a fundraising campaign to support its rehabilitation.

This initiative aims to create a space for future community activities and strengthen local engagement. It also gives us the opportunity to work closely with community members, listen to their ideas, and support a project that can have a long-term impact.

These visits reminded us that community work starts with trust, presence, and patience. Before taking action, it is important to understand the local context and build relationships with the people involved.

Challenges and Adaptation

The first month has also been a period of adaptation. The language barrier, cultural differences, and adjusting to a new pace of life presented challenges. At the same time, the openness of students, the support from teachers, and our teamwork helped us settle into daily routines and become more confident in our roles.

Another significant challenge was adapting to limited privacy and constantly being surrounded by people. Over time, we have developed strategies to manage these changes while remaining open and engaged with the community.

We are learning that adaptation is not only about getting used to a new place. It is also about becoming more flexible, patient, and aware of how we communicate and participate in daily life.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, we hope to continue developing the student clubs, support more learning activities, and contribute further to university life. We also want to move forward with the fundraising campaign for the community building and involve both students and local people in the process.

Our first month in Mozambique has been full of learning, challenges, and meaningful encounters. We are grateful for the welcome we have received and excited to continue growing with the project, the university, and the Changalane community.

This experience has already shown us that volunteering is not only about what we give. It is also about what we learn, how we connect, and how we grow together.