Apolinário Matlhombe
This short success story features Alcilene Pedro Jorge, a 15-year-old girl from Mocuba in Zambézia Province. Alcilene was forced to drop out of school in Grade 2 because she could not manage both her studies and her small business, which she runs to help support her mother and younger siblings.
Two years later, at the age of 17, Alcilene expressed a strong desire to return to school. That’s when Kuyenda Collective activist Ivone Ismael heard about her story and stepped in to help.
“I saw my teachers encouraging me to learn to read, and I felt the desire to be like them — to help others learn to read too,” says Alcilene.
With Kuyenda’s support and the cooperation of school leaders, Alcilene was able to re-enrol. Today, she’s back in the classroom — a powerful example of resilience and determination. While she still helps with the family business during her free time, she can now focus on her studies and work towards building a better future.
