PRESS RELEASE
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U.S. Embassy Recognizes Achievement of Exchange Program Alumni in Nampula
August 31, 2023 – U.S. Ambassador, Peter H. Vrooman and Mozambique-U.S. Alumni Association (MUSAA) President, Gledisse Manjate, recognized the accomplishments of three alumni of U.S. government-sponsored exchange programs during the 2023 Alumni Achievement Award ceremony in Nampula. More than 1,500 Mozambicans from all provinces have participated in U.S.-government-sponsored exchange programs.
2023 Alumni Achievement Award recipients are:
- Buanamade Amade, Pemba
Buanamade is the director of Tambo Tambulani Tambo Cultural Center in Pemba. Through the project, “Creative Workshops for Resilience, Protection and Enhancement of Human Life,” he runs a program that uses arts for social integration, professional skills, entrepreneurship, and education. The project benefits 120 children, teenagers, parents, and guardians living in the Nanhimbe neighborhood in Pemba. Bunamade participated in the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI)-South Africa in 2019.
- Zacarias Chicuio, Beira
Zacarias helped start English Clubs in secondary schools in Beira and is now facilitating English classes for disabled children. He is a graduate of Universidade Licungo in Beira, with a degree in English teaching. In 2020, Zacarias participated in the SUSI “Civic Engagement” exchange program at the University of Washington in Seattle.
- Natércia Tomás, Maputo
Natércia is a sports journalist at the Radio Mozambique and works to increase the number of female journalists covering sports, while advocating for a work environment free from sexual, physical, and moral harassment. In 2019 Natércia participated in the International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP) on women’s empowerment through sports journalism.
During the award ceremony, Ambassador Vrooman said, “Alumni of U.S.-sponsored exchange programs embody the essence of “giving-back.” It is clear that their communities benefit greatly from their passion and hard work.”
The annual Alumni Achievement Award recognizes outstanding alumni who have devoted time, energy, and resources to the betterment of their community. MUSAA was created in 2015 to provide a platform for networking, community service, and mentorship.
Media interested in receiving more information should contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office by e-mail: MaputoPress@state.gov.
