I have recently returned from Mozambique, where I had the opportunity to see for myself the challenges faced by the children attending school in Alto Molocué. Situated deep in the rural province of Zambezia, this remarkable school, run by two Catholic priests, has been providing education and support to 306 children aged between 3 and 14 since 2012. Many of these children come from broken homes, some are orphans, and others lack even the basic means to pay for school. Despite this, the school accepts every child in need, doing its utmost to support each of them and ensure a better future.

This school offers more than just an education – it is a safe haven where children learn basic skills and can even take part in practical workshops, such as carpentry and sewing. The school’s carpentry workshop also provides employment for local residents, who make items such as desks for pupils in the classrooms (in Mozambique, thousands of children have nowhere to sit during lessons). However, with no support from the government, the school is constantly struggling to raise funds, not only for extracurricular activities but also for basic necessities and educational materials.

The school is currently facing an urgent need – a new bus. The current bus has been serving the children for six years and was already old and heavily used in South Africa when the school bought it. The roads in Mozambique are very bumpy, which makes the journey very demanding for both the vehicle and its passengers. Any breakdown risks leaving the children unable to get to school, as there is no public transport in the area. The school bus is the only way for the children to attend lessons. Every day, it travels up to 30 kilometres, taking the children to and from school.

That is why I am organising a fundraiser for a new – or a reliable, second-hand – bus that will serve these children safely for many years to come. Buying a bus is a huge expense for the school, but without this transport, many children will lose access to education. The funds raised will be used to purchase the bus and all necessary equipment, as well as for future maintenance.

Please help ensure these young pupils have safe transport to school – and a chance at a better future. Thank you very much