Why Mozambique?

In 1993, the United Nations classified Mozambique the poorest nation in the world.  This dubious distinction was the result of its tragic history, beginning with the slave trade and exploitation, continuing through the colonial era and culminating in the 20th Century with a revolutionary period and civil war.  Today, Mozambique remains among the poorest nations of the world and has an estimated two million orphaned and vulnerable youth under the age of 18 (UNICEF). 

Our executive director, Rev. Wayne Lavender, Ph.D., traveled to Mozambique in 1998 as part of a Volunteer in Mission (VIM) team. He did not choose Mozambique: Mozambique chose him. “Once you get that sand between your toes and experience the warmth and beauty of the people and nation, your heart is never the same. Mozambique’s extreme poverty invites us to partner there to improve the human condition, build peace with justice, and make the world a better place. Mozambique needs us, and we need them. This orphan crisis provides a perfect partnership opportunity.”

The Foundation 4 Orphans, partnering with Zoe Empowers, works with religious, tribal, and governmental leaders in this empowerment program. Our work has begun in Chimoio and already spread to the communities of Gondola, Carissera, and Cafumpe. Our goal is to spread from Chimoio to other parts of Mozambique like ripples on a pond, working with a sense of urgency to mitigate and eventually end the orphan pandemic in this nation.