Caritas Mozambique was established in 1977 to help Zimbabwean refugees and people affected by disasters such as floods, droughts and cyclones. Since then, it has been at the forefront of rebuilding people’s lives in the aftermath of 16 years of civil conflict that severely damaged the economy.
Budget US$500,000 in 2007
Paid Staff 30
Volunteers 10
Beneficiaries 20,000

Caritas Mozambique has helped more than five million people in 12 dioceses, focusing chiefly on relief and development programmes, literacy, skills training, capacity building, HIV/AIDS prevention and providing credit. Its work includes:

  • Promoting use of natural resources such as coal and natural gas;
  • Helping to identify, fund and manage projects that create local employment;
  • Organizing training sessions in areas such as capacity-building;
  • Promoting people’s right of access to land, education, health and security.

The agency has also acted quickly in the wake of disasters. Caritas Mozambique spearheaded the response to major floods at the turn of the millennium. In addition to providing food, clothing and shelter, staff remained with victims to help rebuild their homes and livelihoods.

Caritas Mozambique is also embracing the climate change debate, discussing the issue with partners and other scientific experts in a bid to devise even more effective early-warning systems.