Empowering young women through education, mentorship and courage.
Education allows us to shape the future. In addition to working with girls in primary schools through girls’ clubs, Gorongosa National Park supports girls in the Sustainable Development Zone in their secondary education through scholarships. Without this support, many would not continue their studies. With great pride, many girls are now finishing 12th grade—an important milestone that opens new paths for themselves and their families.
To celebrate International Day of the Girl (October 11), the Gorongosa Girls’ Club program held the “My Future” workshop with 15 final-year scholarship recipients from Gorongosa National Park. Facilitated by Cláudia Sainda, a Girl Mover alumna, the session offered inspiration and reflection on their professional dreams and plans. Cláudia shared her experiences and, as part of a network of more than 300 young Mozambican women leaders and changemakers from the Girl Move movement, she brought other stories that motivated the girls.
Photos – Larissa Sousa
Through real-life stories, visualization exercises, and action planning, the scholarship recipients explored careers they aspire to—from teacher to veterinarian, agronomist, and doctor—and discovered that, even with challenges, it’s possible to create opportunities through creativity, planning, and mutual support. Turning dreams into plans and actions—this is the empowerment we want to cultivate in young women leaders and changemakers.
With this year’s theme, “I’m a Girl, I am a Change!”, we continue to overcome the many barriers girls face. For a better world, with women empowered through education, we thank the Girl Move Academy for their collaboration and the beautiful work they do in developing a new generation of changemakers.
“I am a Girl, I am a Change!”
Girls from the six districts surrounding Gorongosa National Park celebrated International Day of the Girl onsite, interacting with some of Park “Role Models” who told them about their professional challenges and achievements.
Each district was represented by its promoters, godmothers and girls.
At the event, the slogan “I am a girl, I am a change” was heard loud and clear.
Songs, dances, and theater marked the moment of joy on stage.
Photos – Janado Nazare Cher
Two brave girls. One microphone. Countless voices heard.
Their program tackled big topics with courage and heart: child marriage, sexual and gender-based violence. They reminded listeners that every girl deserves respect, safety and opportunity.
Matilde Bueza, Helena da Silva (pictured below at the microphone) are members of the Youth Club at Cristo Rei Secondary School in Gorongosa. With the help of Miséria Mapir (Lecturer/Youth Club Program Volunteer) they took to the airwaves to produce their very own radio show—written, hosted, and powered by girls. Their broadcast was part of the International Day of the Girl celebration—because these girls are the change.
Photo provided by Augusto Marques, Youth Club program supervisor and Cristo Rei, secondary school teacher.
Girls leading change: Celebrating courage and empowerment in Chókwè.
Gaza province came alive on October 11 with a vibrant celebration of International Day of the Girl under the theme “Girls on the Front Line: Leading Change in Times of Crisis.” Organized by the SLDP project in collaboration with Gorongosa National Park and partners including Right-To-Play, the event united young people, local leaders, and community stakeholders to champion sexual health, gender equality, and female empowerment. Scholarship recipients, former Girls’ Club members, and a program representative were also in attendance.
The day began with a march through the streets of Chókwè, advocating against violence toward girls. The march concluded with moments of reflection and lively debates on the actions that threaten the safety of young women. Participants from Sofala and Gaza shared experiences, strengthening the collective commitment to protect girls and combat all forms of gender-based violence.
Educational activities filled the day, with lectures addressing early marriage and the value of girls’ education. Interactive games reinforced knowledge of sexual and reproductive health, including safe practices. The celebration culminated in a mural painted at Chókwè Secondary School—a powerful expression of art, condemning violence and championing women’s rights.
The girls returned to Gorongosa carrying the promise to share the stories and lessons from Chókwè with those who remained in their district, spreading inspiration and reinforcing that together, they are stronger.
Content/photos – Larissa Sousa, Jando Cher, Samo Jossefa Samo, Arsénia Banze and Albino Langa from Right To Play.