Network Visit to Mozambique

Igor Irigoyen, general coordinator of the Itaka-Piarist Network, and Rosa Gallego, a member of the project management team, visited Mozambique from July 20 to 28. During the first part of the program, they were joined by Jesús Elizari, who, as Provincial of the Piarists of Emmaus, was already in the country.

The tour began in Nacala, where, in addition to visiting the construction site—already well underway—for the future Piarist school, they held meetings with the Piarist community in Nacala, the headquarters team, and the Itaka-Piarists volunteer group. They also met with Bishop Alberto Vera and the diocesan Caritas, learning in particular about its project for vulnerable children. The visit to the Vincentian vocational training center in Nacuxa was also very interesting.

The second part of the trip took them through Cabo Delgado, to the Piarist missions in Metoro and Meza-Minheuene. In Metoro, they were able to explore in detail the preschool, the elementary and secondary schools, and the health center. They also held meetings with the newly formed headquarters team and the youth volunteer group.

In Minheuene, in addition to sadly observing the state of destruction at the mission following the attacks on April 30, they were able to greet some members of the Piarist community. We are committed to continuing to support the local population in every way possible in this new and particularly complex situation.

The Itaka-Escolapios Network views these past few days very positively and extends our heartfelt thanks to the Piarist communities in Mozambique and to everyone involved in the Itaka-Escolapios projects for their hospitality and dedication to the mission.