Trip Overview

Content from the Global Village Website

A Serving Adventure! Global Village trips provide volunteers with the opportunity to travel and experience life off of the beaten path. Walk the streets and share the lives of folks in Mozambique who are seeking to improve the quality of life in their communities. Experience the beauty and culture of southern Africa as we build and explore.

If you don't mind hard work, have a good sense of humour, are adaptable, and have a desire to be a contributing member of a group working to assist in the construction of simple, safe and decent homes for extremely vulnerable families - consider joining this meaningful adventure. Our team will be building with the HFH Mozambique's Orphans and Vulnerable Children program. A program developed to provide shelter for the poorest of the poor – children who have been orphaned by HIV/AIDS.

About Mozambique

The climate in Mozambique is classified as topical to sub-tropical with temperatures ranging between 27 and 31 degrees in December, which is late spring or early summer.

Mozambique's official language is Portuguese and its population, of over 20 million people, is comprised of numerous ethnic groups. After almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975. However, large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war have hindered the country's development. It was not until 1992 that a UN- negotiated peace agreement ended the fighting amongst rebel forces.

During its years of peace, Mozambique has had one of the fastest growing economies in the region, yet the country continues its path on an uphill climb, remaining one of the most aid dependant countries in the world. The people of Mozambique are desperately poor with 40% of the population living on less than US$1 per day. Since the war, HIV/AIDS has also been sweeping through the country. With an estimated 17% of the population infected, there are now some 380,000 children in Mozambique without parents, many of which lack adequate shelter and a place to call home.

Formed in 2000, Habitat for Humanity Mozambique has worked with poor communities, local volunteers and international volunteer teams to build hundreds of houses in the Provinces of Maputo, Manica and Gaza.

About Xai Xai

Xai Xai (pronounced Shy Shy) is situated on the banks of the Limpopo River in the Limpopo Valley. It is known as the "bread basket” of Mozambique, as much rice and cereal crops are grown here. Located 200kms north of Maputo, Xai Xai is the capital of Gaza Province. It is a bustling town, sprawling with markets, shops and restaurants. Nearby beaches and coral reefs running parallel to the shore, offer excellent swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

Our trip starts in Maputo, Mozambique. We will travel to Xai Xai by van where our build will take place. The R&R portion of this trip will include cultural activities and visits to local attractions plus a 4-day guided safari in the Republic of South Africa exploring the famous Kruger National Park. Our time in the national park will include at least one early morning game walk.

Accommodations

During the build, the team will stay in a simple hotel in Xai Xai with two people sharing per room. Each room has two single beds, electricity, hot shower, toilet and a/c (if it works!) Breakfast and dinner will be taken in the hotel's restaurant, and lunches will be at the build site.