Human Rights and Health for Women Project To donate now to the projects in Chamanculo click HERE. For resources to promote the Human Rights and Health for Women Project see our Topical Resources page.
Chamanculo (Chaa/man/coo/low) is located on the edge of Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique. Chamanculo covers 219 hectares and has a population of about 70,000 people Residents live in poverty, suffering from food shortages, substandard housing, poor sanitation and insufficient energy supplies. About 60% of families are headed by women, most of whom are illiterate and have no skills. ELW® is currently supporting Chamanculo through Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). CLWR not only sends financial contributions from Canada but also meets with LWF staff in Maputo and has input into the program, policy development and evaluation. Local people who receive training and support through the Lutheran World Federation and ACT International (Action by Churches Together) carry out the work in the shantytown. Because HIV/AIDS is so prevalent, much work is being done to assist those living with HIV/AIDS. Water
Water supply problems in Chamanculo arise not so much from the quality of the municipal water, but from the quantity of water available and the way in which it is stored (in rusted metal drums without proper covers, from which water is drawn by dipping a vessel). Regular bathing and washing, let alone the use of a flush toilet, are unaffordable. Sanitation
There is no provision for sewage or the disposal of human excreta. A dry latrine (essentially a hole in the ground) is the most common form of disposal. These latrines constitute a severe health hazard. Domestic Energy
Two-thirds of families use kerosene for lighting while 1/3 use electricity. Charcoal is the most commonly used fuel (84%). Almost everyone uses charcoal for cooking. Food
Poor nutrition is rife in Chamanculo. With much of the population subsisting primarily on rice, food consumed is inadequate in terms of proteins, amino acids, minerals and vitamins that it provides.
Overall Goals in the Community (not necesarily of the Human Rights and Health Project) - 400 ventilated dwellings with an average living space of 10 square metres per capita.
- 50 water tube-wells.
- 7,000 ventilated, dry pit latrines.
- 7,000 ceramic-lined, fuel-efficient charcoal stoves.
- 200 maize mills.
The project will also promote sustainable development by generating employment, improving environmental health and upgrading the quality of life for the residents of Chamanculo. Challenges
The biggest challenge is that Mozambique has the second lowest income of any country in the world, and has just begun to recover from the disastrous effects of prolonged civil war. Partners |