Sharing knowledge in the village

“The river has dried up here because of climate change, and girls’ rights are not respected in the village. I know four girls who went to school with me, but then quit because they fell pregnant. I also know four boys who don’t go to school. Their parents think it’s normal not to go to school. It’s the first time we’ve been educated about these school. Even if children want to study, the parents don’t allow it. I get up early, take the cattle out to graze and leave them there. Then I run to school. When school is finished for the day, I bring the cattle home again.

“No-one has ever come here before to teach us about children’s rights, so I’m really grateful for the course.”

Shelton, 13, Peace & Changemaker Generation Ambassador, Matafula Primary School, Mozambique issues. I’m grateful to have had this education, and now I can share knowledge with others at school and in my village.”

The largest land animal, the African savanna elephant, can reach heights of over 3.5 metres and weigh 6,500 kilos. Hundreds of African elephants are killed every day by poachers. Elephant numbers have fallen by 62 percent over the past ten years. There are now 350,000 left in Africa; 11,000 of them in Gonarezhou Park and 1,500 of them in Limpopo Park.

Zulfa, 15, Peace & Changemaker Generation Ambassador, Matafula Primary School, Mozambique

Girls’ rights for the first time

“My family respects my rights, but my brothers don’t help me with the household chores. I grind the maize, do the cooking, and fetch water and wood. My brothers just take the cattle to graze and go to school.

“Many girls in the village are married off and pregnant by the age of 18. The parents get 10 oxen and money as a lobola payment from the husband’s family. Two of my friends who were in sixth grade with me are now expecting. As an ambassador,

I’m going to talk to them and get them to come back to school. And I’m going to teach my school friends about their rights. It’s the first time we’ve been educated about children’s rights and girls’ rights in our district.”

Sonia, 14, Peace & Changemaker Generation Ambassador, Matafula Primary School, Mozambique