Today marked the first meeting for the village of Nhamatanda. It is a very poor area, located up the road from Beira - above is a photo of a traditional house in that area. This community makes up communities #9 & #10 participating in our Family Preservation Program (FPP). With these new additions, we now have over 11,000 people in the program.
One thing that is especially meaningful for us is that this is the first time we have used the FPP CORE program. Instead of being run by our regular troop of 20+ people, these communities are being managed by two. They are excellent young men, and are off to a good start. The reason for this meeting was for the community to understand what we are about, to understand that we will only be there for two years, and that we aren't there to give them food, or clothing, or jobs. We offer training on how to have a healthier, more self-reliant life. That concept is quite a shock to many of them, who expected us to show up with truckloads of stuff. We have seen that approach and know that it feels good in the short-run, but leaves the recipients idle and waiting for the next truck.
Enough preaching - here are some pics:
In no particular order:
The Field Officers in this community are Cremildo and Adilson. Both are really energetic and thrilled to take on this new project.
When we arrived, there was already a party goin' on. People gathered in circles and were dancing and playing the drums and wooden blocks.
Some kids soaking it all in.
I addressed the group for a few minutes. Adilson (standing next to me) was translating my poor Portuguese into a native dialect called Sena. (At least I think he did)
Overall, it was an exciting event. The people are motivated, and we KNOW if the follow the program they will be healthier, happier and able to do something in this life besides survive.
