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In a much celebrated event coinciding with National Children’s Day, the community of Barrica in Manhiça district, Maputo will benefit from six new classrooms, an administration block and sanitary facilities including six toilets. What started a few years ago as a building made of local materials, the Escola Primária Completa de Barrica is now a well-equipped facility for more than 500 pupils.

The inauguration ceremony took place on the 1^st of June, with the presence of Beluluane Industrial Park management, government officials, civil society organisations, education partners and the community of Manhiça. It was a vibrant event with cultural celebrations including dance, theatre and a trade fair presenting local products.

Beluluane Industrial Park supported the event in partnership with Regina Diomba, the wife of the Governor of Maputo Province. Mr. Onório Manuel, Deputy General Director at Beluluane Industrial Park, invited the pupils to visit the industrial park and encouraged parents to have an active role in their children’s education.

“My message today is about hope. I hope that in the future the children studying in Barrica will become managers at Beluluane Industrial Park. I really hope so. I am asking every parent and teacher here today, please do what’s right for the future of our children. Respect their rights and support them.”

Beluluane Industrial Park has been prioritising youth education and employment and will empower 300 young professionals this year. They are working together with Joba, a programme funded by the UK government, to facilitate paid internships within the park. The Beluluane JOBA Internship Programme offers graduates with vocational training and technical qualifications the opportunity to gain on-the-job experience linked to their previous field of study.

Mr. Raimundo Diomba, Governor of Maputo Province highlighted the need to invest in the youth. He commented: “Look at the young representatives on the Beluluane Industrial Park management team for example. Their Deputy General Manager that we heard speaking here today is an example of what you can achieve if you work hard. It is a clear indication that young people should lead development efforts and the country.”

Mr Diomba also spoke about the importance of providing daily meals to keep children in schools, as well as the health benefits to improve their learning capacity.

Beluluane Industrial Park is a Public-Private initiative by APIEX (Agência Para a Promoção de Investimento e Exportações) and Swiss-Mozambican investors. Beluluane currently employs 5000 people.