On June 20, 2024, the Ambassador of Ireland made a significant visit to the headquarters of the MASC Foundation in the City of Pemba, in the province of Cabo Delgado. The main objective of this meeting was to evaluate the impact of the actions developed by the MASC Foundation in the province, especially considering the challenging context that the region is going through.
Philip Machon, Senior Manager at the MASC Foundation, gave a detailed presentation that brought to light a comprehensive view of the province’s current context. He highlighted valuable lessons learned in conflict zones such as Palma and Mocímboa da Praia in Cabo Delgado, as well as in Memba District in Nampula Province. Machon addressed the significant risks and challenges in the reintegration of internally displaced people (IDP), highlighting the complexity and importance of this process.
Patrick Empey, Ambassador of Ireland to Mozambique, highlighted the crucial importance of the MASC Foundation in strengthening the capacities of local civil society organizations (CSOs). He highlighted that this support is essential to guarantee high levels of intervention and quality on the part of these organizations, making them more effective agents of change in the region.
The meeting was attended by six members of the Irish Embassy, including Ambassador Patrick Empey, and two representatives from the MASC Foundation: Philip Machon and Issa Jr, Provincial Coordinator of the Foundation for Cabo Delgado. In addition, four beneficiaries from different districts participated: Muanassa Chafim, from the Chiúre Civic Incubator; Mingos Ramos Vicente, representative of the VDO of Montepuez; Ossada Omar Eduardo, from the Peace Ambassadors of Chiúre; and Juliana Manuel, from Montepuez Savings Groups.
The meeting ended with a feeling of satisfaction and hope, resulting from the opportunity provided by visits and initiatives of this type. The exchange of experiences and collaboration between the Embassy of Ireland and the MASC Foundation mark an important step in strengthening development actions and building a more resilient future for Cabo Delgado.
