Over half of Mozambique’s population, particularly those living in rural areas, lives below the poverty line. The rapid and unregulated growth of urban centres, especially around the capital Maputo, has resulted in a significant deterioration in living conditions for the urban population. Access to water and healthcare facilities is inadequate, and school education does not reach everyone, which leads to rising youth unemployment. In addition, the high HIV infection rate represents a threat to young people – and to girls in particular. Promotion of democracy, health-related issues– in particular HIV and AIDS prevention – and education are of overriding importance for development in Mozambique.

In Mozambique, the German Development Cooperation’s “Sport for Development in Africa” (S4DA) Regional Project supports the cooperation between universities, municipalities and local clubs. Jointly, they advance each other’s organisational development and establish S4D approaches across the region. Instructors and coaches are trained in the S4D method and through the integration of S4D in the organisations, sports offers and participatory activities for children and youth are expanded and improved. Moreover, crucial competences related to gender, health or environmental protection are transmitted through sports.

The Pedagogical University of Maputo adopted the S4D approach into its curriculum for physical education teachers. Future physical education teachers are systematically qualified in S4D, the quality of physical education is improved and S4D is spread nationwide, reaching schools and pupils in the whole country. During their studies, the qualified teachers support civil society organisations in Matola in establishing S4D activities. The renovation and construction of sports grounds in densely populated areas create important spaces for learning and recreation for socio-economically disadvantaged children and young people.

For Mozambique, no additional teaching and learning materials have been developed. Already existing manuals on ‘Treino Social’ developed in Brazil and the approach ‘Escola da Bola’ were implemented in the Mozambican context. You will find a more detailed description about the materials in our collection S4D Tools for your Practice/Teaching and Learning Materials.

If you want to have more detailed and/or further information about S4D in the country, please have a look at the following publications.