Mozambique is a country located in the southeastern part of Africa that demonstrates high levels of poverty and need. It is widely reported that Mozambique is a beautiful country, yet one plagued by many fundamental problems that influences the quality of life of its people. Because of widespread poverty and deficiencies in the educational system, Mozambique continues to be a country that requires much philanthropic work to reduce the impact of poverty, which must be done by improving access to nutrient-rich food and effective education.

The village of Namialo, located in the northeastern region of Mozambique, calls claim to approximately 10,000 inhabitants. It is a community of people that live primitively off the land, seeking their survival through the meager farming that is available on their land.

World Bank reports in an extensive study that one of the biggest challenges for Mozambique in their quest for development is stunting, a result of chronic malnutrition. They report that “54% of households in Mozambique cannot afford a nutritious diet that meets minimum nutrient needs” (Nutrition Smart). These numbers are even higher in rural regions such as Namialo.

In addition to the lack of nutrient-rich foods, they also lack access to education, having one of the most alarming rates of illiteracy. USAID found that “59 percent of third-grade students in the 49 schools studied could not read a single word per minute nor recognize letters, and those students who could read only read, on average, five words per minute.” The overall illiteracy rate for the entire country is 47 percent, but the rates are always much higher in the rural areas.

In Mission First is actively working to build a community center that will combat nutritional deficits and low literacy rates by offering clean water, fortified cornmeal, and reading instruction. Two acres are now the sole property of In Mission First and a small housing structure is currently being built on the land. Next steps include digging a well, instituting a food distribution program, and conducting reading instruction for the inhabitants of this village. These programs are the conduit for opportunities to share the Gospel and teach the villagers about the love of Jesus Christ.