Apolinário Matlhombe
Marta Luiz Felipe, aged 17, was born into a humble family of peasant farmers in Mocuba district, Zambézia. She lives in a rural area where educational opportunities are scarce, services are limited, and schools are few and far between. Her family struggled to afford even the most basic school supplies. Marta had only a pair of flip-flops, some trousers, shorts, and a shirt.
Still, she began her education at Macuvini Primary School, determined to study. To progress in her education, she had to move several times to live with different relatives.
When she reached secondary school, she enrolled at Samora Machel Secondary School. During school holidays, she rarely visited her parents. When she was in Grade 8, her family convinced her to drop out of school and get married. They considered the marriage natural and believed her duty was to start a family — after all, they said, “school would take her nowhere.”
To support her newborn, Marta worked in the fields during the holidays to earn money for expenses.
After conducting a brief investigation and confirming the facts, the Kuyenda team approached Marta. She shared her strong desire to return to school and told them about her big dreams for the future. In response, Kuyenda worked in close collaboration with the district’s social welfare department to find a solution.
Thanks to Kuyenda’s intervention, Marta’s right to education was protected. She is now back in school, motivated and determined to follow her dreams. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher.
