Back to Mozambique
This is the second time I’ve lived here.
In 1998, I arrived among the first Peace Corps group to serve in Mozambique. I lived in the coastal town of Xai-Xai from then until 2001. Fast forward to today: I live as an expat in Maputo, working at the American International School of Mozambique (AISM). It’s all a bit weird.
Settling into this country has not been an easy transition for my family, particularly for me. Mozambique and I are not who we were two decades ago. Certain things I wish had remained are forever gone from Mozambique. Many things I’d hoped would have changed by now seem to be frozen in time. Looking back over the last 20 years, I guess I could say the same thing about myself.
A couple weeks ago, I had the first chance in over 20 years to walk back out to the Mozambican countryside, and it was a grounding, refreshing experience.
Back to the Countryside
The Grade 6 students conducted a field study in the Sibakusi community of Bobole. AISM’s Community Connections Director, Colleen Fletcher, lives near the village and she organized the trip with the Grade 6 teachers. We were also accompanied by Francisca, a Grade 10 student who works with the Sibakusi women for her MYP Personal Project, as well as with a High School community group, the Bobole Bats. While Francisca took photos and completed some interviews for her projects, the Grade 6 students learned methods of farming and cooking, and about community life in Bobole. Me, I went there to film.
Before my return to Mozambique, Colleen and I talked about the value of community involvement for international school students. We discussed the need to document those experiences, and the importance of portraying local communities authentically and positively. Community Connections at AISM is a two-way street: students are not tasked with “helping”, they are not providing charity. They are taking advantage of diverse, unique cultural learning opportunities that most young people don’t get to have.
As is the case with Peace Corps Volunteers around the world, AISM students are getting far more than they are giving. When I interview them, I can tell they appreciate that. It is clear to them that the Sibakusi women of Bobole are strong, wise, and proud. They welcome our students openly and they are happy to share their skills and traditions. The students go back to the city with a fresh appreciation for a culture so different—yet in ways, so similar—to their own.
Back to What Matters
For my part, once again, I witnessed the elegance of the Mozambican countryside and the warmth of its people. Reflecting on the day reminds me that there are elements of Mozambique that have not changed over the years—over generations, in fact—and that’s a good thing.
