The Local Development for the Consolidation of Peace in Mozambique (DELPAZ) program plans to train 400 young people in agro-livestock farming and techniques for processing agricultural products by the end of this year. The training is taking place at the Chimoio Agricultural Institute, in the district of Vanduzi, in the central province of Manica. The information was released by the Mozambican Information Agency on Monday, July 22.
Launched in October 2021, the program has funding of 1.9 billion meticais (31.5 million dollars) and is part of the European Union’s comprehensive support to consolidate the Peace and National Reconciliation Agreement in Mozambique. The aim is to train selected young people in the districts of Macossa, Báruè, Guro and Tambara, around 30% of whom are children or dependents of former Renamo guerrillas as part of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process. The rest of the beneficiaries are members of the communities in the districts mentioned, most of them in vulnerable situations.
Giulia Zíngaro, DELPAZ’s program coordinator in the provinces of Manica and Tete, explained that the criteria used to select the young people was based on identifying those with a vocation for farming and who already carry out this activity in their communities. “The selection of young people began last year. The training started this year and it is expected that the 400 young people will be trained by the end of September. The training is taking place in phases and is more intensive,” said Zíngaro on the sidelines of the Dialogue for Peace meeting, held in the Vanduzi district.
In the debate, Rogério Sitoe, one of the panelists, highlighted the importance of peace for the country’s development. “Peace is a common good that begins in our hearts, in the family, in our home, place of residence, work and wherever we are. It’s respect for others, knowing how to forgive and do good in order to build a prosperous generation,” said Sitoe.
The training offered by DELPAZ seeks not only to train young people in advanced agricultural techniques, but also to promote peace and stability in a region marked by conflict. By investing in youth, the program hopes to create a solid foundation for sustainable economic and social development, contributing to building a more prosperous and harmonious nation.
In short, the DELPAZ initiative is a significant step towards strengthening agro-livestock farming in Manica, while at the same time promoting reconciliation and peace in Mozambique. With a special focus on young people from vulnerable communities and the children of ex-combatants, the programme symbolizes a joint effort to transform the local reality through education and agricultural development.
