PRESS RELEASE
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U.S. Government Funds Construction of New Secondary School in Pemba
July 6, 2023 – The U.S. Government launched the construction of a modern high school to construct a modern high school, which will provide educational access to 4,500 students in Maringanha, district of Pemba, Cabo Delgado Province. In addition, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed with the Government of Mozambique to demonstrate the commitment of both governments to address the educational needs of this community.
This pivotal event, in harmony with the chorus of Mozambique’s national anthem, echoes the spirit of solidarity, unity and progress:
“…
Mozambique, our Glorious Land
Rock by rock constructing a new day
Millions of arms, one strength
O Beloved country, we will be successful
…”
This powerful anthem encapsulates the determination and resilience that drives the project forward. The laying of the first brick represents the first rock set in place, each brick a symbol of progress and hope. With arms united, the construction of this new high school is destined for success.
The school construction project is part of ongoing efforts from the U.S. Government to support peace-building and foster resilience in northern Mozambique. Mozambique chose Maringanha as the location for the secondary school in light of its significant influx of internally displaced people from elsewhere in Cabo Delgado.
After laying the first brick at the groundbreaking ceremony, Ambassador Peter H. Vrooman said, “We are committing today to build a modern school that will meet the needs of all children of this community. Today’s signing marks a significant milestone in our joint efforts to promote education for youth and resilience in northern Mozambique.”
Under the MOU, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will design and construct the secondary school, with an estimated completion date of the first phase at the end of 2024. At that point, the Ministry of Education and Human Development (MINEDH) will begin teaching students in the new facility. The second phase will require an additional 12 months and, once completed, the Maringanha Secondary School will be able to accommodate up to 4,500 students.
Education is a vital area of cooperation between the United States and Mozambique, supported with a variety of ongoing projects, such as bilingual education in primary schools and initiatives to promote girls’ education, which demonstrate tour solidarity with the goal of improving access to quality education for all Mozambican children.
Support for education and conflict-prevention are critical components of the broader U.S. Government assistance strategy in Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $812 million in annual assistance to improve healthcare, education, and economic prosperity.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises. For more information about USAIDs work, visit www.usaid.gov.
Media interested in receiving more information should contact the U.S. Embassy Press Office by e-mail: MaputoPress@state.gov.
