Constructing the library with a mother’s love

In 2019, the cyclone Idai swept southern Africa, leaving a deep scar in Mozambique. Many buildings collapsed, and schools were no exception. In May of that year, the Intl. WeLoveU Foundation (hereinafter referred to as “WeLoveU”) carried out a school and housing restoration project in Sofala, where the damage was concentrated, and then decided to help schools in Maputo. In July 2020, the members visited the Education and Human Development Office of Maputo (hereinafter referred to as Education Office) in Maputo. They looked around the schools with officials involved such as Armando Muthemba the Deputy Director of Education Office, and decided to support schools that needed urgent help.

The first one they decided to help was Zedequias Manganhela Secondary School located in Maputo. About 3,000 students attend this school, but the facilities were poor and there was not enough space to study. One of the classrooms was used to store books. The school tried to secure space for classes by building a library, but it could not be carried out due to lack of budget.

After visiting the school, the WeLoveU members decided to build a 112 m² [1,334 yd²] library next to the school building. On October 14, the groundbreaking ceremony was held on the site of the library in the presence of Director Artur Dombo and Deputy Director Armando Muthemba of Education Office of Maputo. Sheila Santana Afonso the Secretary of State for the City of Maputo, too, sent a message to support the WeLoveU’s volunteer activity through her deputy.

Ten members from the WeLoveU, who were working in related occupations, formed a team and started the construction. After finishing their daily work, they came to the school and diligently constructed the library. Even in the heat over 40°C [104°F], they focused on the construction day and night, even wearing face masks due to the spread of COVID-19. The students shouted, “We Love You,” toward the members who joyfully volunteered day after day, forgetting their tiredness to build a strong library.

After six months, the construction was completed on March 18 of the following year. On the vacant lot where there were sparse weeds, now a nice library is standing with a restroom inside. The completion and opening ceremony was held on the following day, March 19. Principal Judite Machume, teachers, and 40 WeLoveU members attended the event and congratulated the construction of the library. In this event many officials were also present, including Sheila Santana Afonso the Secretary of State for the City of Maputo, Director Artur Dombo and Deputy Director Armando Muthemba of the Education Office.

Surprised by the fact that the WeLoveU members built the library by their own hands, Secretary of State Afonso praised them for their volunteer spirit. She also praised the fact that the WeLoveU’s volunteer service is not a one-time basis, but is steadily carried out in various fields such as cleaning the streets and helping neighbors. She hoped that the WeLoveU would continue to carry out their volunteer activities in Mozambique.

The teachers repeatedly expressed their gratitude to the WeLoveU and Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah for their heartfelt work. They said the library would be of great help to students’ learning. The library will be open to the local youth and residents, too, after school. The residents greatly welcomed the news, saying, “Thank you for giving us this precious gift.” On April 29, the Maputo Social Affairs Service Office sent a certificate of appreciation to the WeLoveU and Honorary Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah, respectively, for the construction of the library.

Meanwhile, the WeLoveU’s activity was reported on TVM, the public broadcast of Mozambique. Lee Gang-hui, the Head of the WeLoveU Maputo Chapter in Mozambique, said, “If you look around your neighbors from a mother’s heart, you can see their difficulties and pain.” He added, “There were many difficulties while constructing this library for six months such as construction material price rise. However, we were able to complete it with the heart of a mother.” Additionally, they planned to donate groceries and face masks as well as supporting with educational materials.

On-site gallery

A classroom used for storing books

Officials from the Education Office and school staff attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the library.

Library construction site

Library construction site

Library construction site

Completed library

Library completion and opening ceremony

Students using the library