Text & photos-Janado Nazare Cher
Every year, Gorongosa National Park’s Science Department welcomes young interns from the Sustainable Development Zone to gain hands-on experience in environmental research and prepare for university. The 2024 cohort worked alongside national and international scientists at the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory, engaging in cutting-edge research while receiving personalized mentoring and preparing for entrance exams.
Selected for their academic excellence and passion for science and conservation, these interns are not only building their own futures but also giving back—sharing the Gorongosa story and leading conservation and biology lectures in their communities.
Meet two of them: Helena Gonçalo José Vasco and Miguel Abel Fernando Bero.
Helena Gonçalo José Vasco
Helena Gonçalo José Vasco has been accepted by the Universidade Púngue da Manica, where she will study Biological Sciences!
Helena, born in Gorongosa village, was an intern in Gorongosa National Park’s Science Department in 2024 as part of the Bio Education Program.
She and her fellow trainees spent months preparing for university, dedicating themselves to their studies and academic decisions. During her internship, Helena made the most of every opportunity to learn from researchers—both national and international—who studied biodiversity and other scientific topics. She and her peers also took math, biology and chemistry classes to prepare for their university entrance exams.
Inspired by her experiences in the Science Department, Helena developed a passion for molecular biology and botany, leading her to choose Biological Sciences as her field of study. After earning her degree, she hopes to return to Gorongosa National Park as a biologist and mentor future interns in their fieldwork.
Miguel Abel Fernando Bero
Gorongosa intern Miguel Abel Fernando Bero has been accepted to two universities in Mozambique for the 2025 academic year!
A native of Sofala province, Muanza district, Miguel joined Gorongosa National Park’s internship program in 2024, gaining hands-on experience in lab work and field research. He collected plant samples, extracted insect DNA, identified species from tusks and bones, monitored elephants with GIS, set up remote cameras, and supported researchers in specimen collection and biomass measurement.
Thanks to this experience, Miguel earned admission to Eduardo Mondlane University (UEM) and the Manica Higher Polytechnic Institute (ISPM). He will study Agricultural Engineering at ISPM and hopes to share his knowledge with others.
Miguel is especially grateful for learning the importance of biodiversity and conservation in sustaining life on Earth.