The Projects Department of the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique


The students at the new primary school at Mabilibile
Mabilibile
Donors: Helvetas, Swiss Cooperation and local contributions
Amount Given: $197,357
Still Needed: $249,175

     Originally built by the Swiss missionaries in 1902, Mabilibile was envisioned as an economic, cultural, religious, and social center. Up to the end of the civil war, Mabilibile lived up to that aspiration. Indeed, many of Mozambique’s politicians and statesmen claim Mabilibile as their alma mater.
      Mabilibile is located in the Matatuine district of Maputo Province. The province shares borders with both the Republic of South Africa and the Kingdom of Swaziland. During the civil war Mabilibile and surrounding communities were devastated. 82% of the population fled as refugees to nearby countries. The infrastructure within the mission post was destroyed, including the hospital, water system, chapel, and school. So complete was the destruction only 3 of an original 42 primary schools in the province were still functioning at the cessation of the war. Landmines were planted in the area and livestock were slaughtered to feed troops. When the refugees returned to their home, it was unrecognizable as the thriving center it once was.
      Damage to the infrastructure was not the only trauma done to the economy. Skilled workers and employers who fled the war never returned, creating an unemployment crisis. Because of the lack of jobs, many young Mozambicans emigrate illegally to South Africa and Swaziland. Social values have disintegrated, leading to a rise in petty crime and prostitution. In 1992, despite the end of the war, the situation in Mabilibile seemed hopeless.


Not only did the church need to rebuild buildings in Mabilibile, but the main road into the town is thought to be mined. This road was built by the Presbyterian Church.
Dormitories under construction for boarding students who will attend the secondary school.
     In response, the Presbyterian Church of Mozambique, working together with the Swiss non-governmental organization Helvetas, has returned to the community at Mabilibile. Seven years after the war, the progress is amazing. Borehole wells have been sunk, supplying the community with water. A primary school with and enrollment of roughly 210 students, is holding classes. A secondary school is under construction and should be completed shortly. Dormitories are being built for students who wish to attend the school, but do not live nearby. Housing for the teachers and principals has been finished, and is being occupied. A new clinic, not far from the remains of the foundation of the old one, is up and running. Houses for nurses and doctors are finished. Even a new road has been built, to replace the old one, which may still have landmines.
      The work does not stop with these accomplishments. The Presbyterian Church of Mozambique would still like to rebuild the chapel, with housing for a pastor. There are plans to restore a stately building the community historically used as a cultural and meeting center. Hope and determination are gradually rebuilding the destroyed community of Mabilibile.


The ruins of the chapel, destroyed in the last days of the civil war

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Last updated: August 1999