Story and photos by Janado Nazare Cher
Celebrating the Heart of Our Team
Gorongosa National Park has designated May as Employee Appreciation Month and we’re shining a spotlight on the incredible people who make our work possible every day. From behind-the-scenes problem solvers to front-line leaders, our employees bring dedication, creativity, and heart to everything they do.
Today, we’re proud to feature three standout team members whose passion and commitment inspire us all.
Alexandre Arnaldo, bricklayer
Alexandre Arnaldo
Alexandre Arnaldo, 42, is from Beira, Sofala province, Mozambique. With 17 years’ experience, Alexandre works as a bricklayer and tells us that he took part in all the construction work found in the Chitengo camp, ranging from building offices, a canteen, a clinic and workers’ houses, and others.
There were as many tents as you could count in the camp, but today Alexandre can no longer remember the total number of infrastructures, although he is happy to know that the workers now have a safe and comfortable space.
“At the time, I didn’t expect to be able to join the Gorongosa restoration project, but when you do a good job, people appreciate it and you get far”. Alexandre said.
As the years go by, Alexandre hopes to continue working and supporting others, particularly young people, to understand that achieving a long professional life requires dedication and commitment.
Luísa Josefa Filipe, operations
Luísa Josefa Filipe
Luísa Josefa Filipe, 45, has worked at Gorongosa National Park since 2006. With 19 years’ experience, Luísa tells us how this project has grown and today brings together people from different cultures across the country, who help to develop the Park and transform their lives.
Luísa began her work in the handicrafts sector and later moved to the operations sector, where she cleaned the offices, something she continues to do with great passion.
Even at the beginning, as Luísa tells us, the Park only had three offices: one for the human resources sector, another for the Park Administrator and a third for the head of the departments. These offices were later moved to another area, where the Community Education Center is now located. All the workers lived in tents and depended on a generator for electricity, which only worked from 6pm to 9pm.
“Behavior, perseverance and a belief in what is possible make people work for long years”. Luísa said.
Back then, the number of women was small and most of them worked in the tourism sector. Today’s changes are remarkable, and it is hoped that this project will continue to employ more people.
Roteiro Faindane Simone, bricklayer and carpenter’s helper
Roteiro Faindane Simone
Roteiro Faindane Simone is 46 years old and has been working in Gorongosa National Park since 2008, 17 years of experience working in various sectors.
At the beginning of his employment, he worked as a bricklayer’s helper and then as a carpenter’s helper, which he did for the first three years. In 2012, Roteiro joined the plumbing team. In his opinion, the Park has grown a lot, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in terms of revitalizing wildlife.
“The Park’s presence is important because it has provided our community with schools, health centers, drinking water sources and community projects, thus contributing to our development.” Roteiro said.
When asked about his work and how the Park’s campsites were piped, Roteiro answered very happily, saying that he knew the map of the places where the pipes were laid very well and that he would teach his new colleagues all the maps he had drawn up over the years.
And, despite the challenges, Roteiro also said that the acquisition of more technological equipment has made their work easier and they are now able to cover the largest possible area of activity, both in maintenance and in the installation of new pipelines.