Africa-Press – Mozambique. Canada and Mozambique have a longstanding partnership that we both value very highly. Our strong relationship shines through at this event, and in all of the wonderful exchanges I’ve had with Mozambiquan partners and friends throughout my visit
During my time here, I have visited several projects that Canada and Mozambique are working on together. And I have seen firsthand the powerful momentum that’s helping to build a more promising future, especially for women and girls.
Yesterday [Thursday] I visited the Chibututuine Teacher Training Institute and a local school. As someone who believes so strongly in the power of education, it was inspiring to see the work that PROGRESSO is doing in partnership with CODE, a Canadian NGO.
As we all know, having well-qualified teachers is essential to having a strong education system where all children can learn and succeed –boys and girls alike. Investing in quality teaching is, after all, the first objective of the African Union’s Roadmap for promoting Education in 2024.
I had also planned to visit with a Canadian organization, SOCODEVI, that is working hand-in-hand with local partners and women farmers in Maracuene. But unfortunately, Tropical Storm Filipo has caused destruction and flooding in the area. My heart goes out to those who were severely affected by the storm. I trust that they will receive the help they need to get back on their feet. In difficult times like these, I am reminded that projects like this one are about more than agriculture.
They also strengthen community resiliency, increase economic opportunities, and ensure greater equality, which are all important tools to respond to the devastating effects of climate change.
In my remarks earlier today [Friday], I announced $65.8 million(CAD, around $48.6million US dollars at current exchange rates] in funding for six initiatives that clearly demonstrate Canada’s commitment to supporting Mozambique on its path to sustainable development. I’d like to take the opportunity to share more details about those projects now:
1. The first initiative is a $20 million CAD investment with the University of Saskatchewan, to improve sexual, reproductive, and maternal health and rights for adolescent girls and women in the province of Inhambane.
2. The second initiative will provide $7 million CAD to the World Health Organization, to improve the quality of health data and help inform policies and decision-making. It will also include data on the availability of sexual and reproductive services in health facilities
3. The third initiative, known locally as Rapariga Biz is a $12.5 million CAD project with the United Nations Development Programme through a one-UN initiative alongside UNESCO, UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women. This initiative will help ensure that young women can access the sexual and reproductive health rights services they want, need, and deserve
4. The fourth initiative is a $5 million CAD project with the University of Washington, which will strengthen mental health care in the provinces of Manica and Sofala.
5. The fifth initiative is a $20 million CAD project with Pathfinder International to improve gender equality and ensure access to sexual and reproductive health services in the Tete and Manica provinces.
6. And finally, the sixth initiative is a $1.3 million CAD extension in funding for a Voluntary Services Overseas project. This will support ongoing work that’s improving literacy, numeracy, and other skills for 3,000 adolescent girls. If there’s a common thread running through all of these important initiatives, I would say it is this: women and girls deserve to reach their full potential and be allowed to actively engage in their communities.
Canada will continue to put women and girls at the heart of all we do. Together we can break down barriers and create space for women and girls to thrive.”
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