Life expectancy in Mozambique is just 61.17 years (2020) with literacy running at 47% (female literacy, 28%) far behind that of males (60%). These are well below even sub-Saharan standards. Whilst AIDS in Mozambique hasn't been as endemic as in other countries, there are still 1.5m infected, with 1.4 million orphans and a third of those orphaned through AIDS. Most children who live in rural areas have restricted access to safe water, education and health care. As such most volunteer work programs in Mozambique focus on these areas; building infrastructure including school and safe water projects. There is also a developing volunteer sector in preservation and conservation work. As such those looking to undertake volunteer work in Mozambique may well find themselves working with street children or in medical settings. There are also openings working to empower women and girls as well as working in orphanages and teaching English in schools.

Many volunteer opportunities in Mozambique were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic which led to the permanent closure of some volunteer opportunities and restrictions on others. If you run or know of a volunteer work project in Mozambique let us know by contacting us here. We look forward to hearing from you!