OVERVIEW

Mozambique faces a large youth population with high unemployment, low levels of secondary education, and limited support to help young people transition from adolescence to adulthood. There is insufficient attention and understanding on youth development and on adolescence in particular, and addressing the needs of youth during this phase of life has not been a high priority in Mozambique. For youths without one or both parents, obtaining education is very difficult. Many young orphans are obligated to live with distant family members, work to generate income and, sometimes, abandon their studies. Without the financial or emotional support of a respected adult and living in an unstable emotional state as a result of traumatic experiences, they remain exposed to conditions of risk. Early trauma may have impacted cognitive development and the ability to develop positive “non-cognitive behaviors” such as social and relationship skills, positive self-concept and communication skills. While all youth need to develop key skills and behaviors to help them transition successfully into adulthood, youth who have experienced trauma and who lack supportive parenting to help them transition into productive, healthy and engaged adults benefit from additional supports such as having positive relationships and adult role models.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The objective of this project is to increase the technical skills, basic education competencies and general employability of older orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) so that they can build better futures through quality livelihoods, improved health, and civic engagement. Some activities focus on increasing the understanding of adolescent development in community-based organizations’ dealing with youth and among parents and caregivers. Other activities focus on the children themselves and include: 
•    Strengthening community-based youth literacy progams,
•    Implementing eMentoring programs, 
•    Supporting youth clubs, 
•    Planning community educational meetings and debates, and
•    Encouraging and assisting youth in applying for educational opportunities such as the Young African Leader Initiative.

EXPECTED RESULTS

The estimated targets to be achieved are as follows:
1.     400 older OVC (15-18) with employability and productive livelihood skills in Maputo City and Munhava and Goto districts in Beira (Sofala);
2.    150 youth (14-18) reached with additional literacy skills in Beira and Maputo Cities; and 
3.    500 parents, caregivers, community members with enhanced knowledge and understanding of adolescent development in Beira and Maputo Cities.