Mozambique invests 67 million meticais to protect vulnerable children in Gaza

The Mozambican government and international partners are investing 67 million meticais to support at least 16,000 vulnerable children in the Gaza province districts of Mabalane, Chókwè, and Guijá.

Factors such as poverty, recent flooding, and sociocultural influences have increased the risk of school dropout, domestic violence, and early marriage for minors in these areas. Recent floods have destroyed homes and farms, further destabilizing livelihoods and education. Provincial authorities report that at least 70 minors have been rescued from early marriages, often driven by cultural practices where families exchange daughters for goods or livestock.

The funding will be used to strengthen social protection, conduct community awareness campaigns, support schooling, and increase birth registration. The project aims to cover six communities across the three districts through educational and cultural initiatives designed to mitigate violence and establish early identification and support mechanisms for victims.