New opportunity for Inesi

Taking care of a family of five children on your own is not easy, as Mozambican Inesi knows from experience. She lived with her family in a small hut, and her farmland yielded little. Thanks to a project by Dorcas, Inesi got a new opportunity. Several times a year, she harvests various crops and, in the meantime, is building a large stone house where her family can live safely.

Inesi is a single mother of five children, with the eldest already adults and the youngest still attending school. For years, she lived in a hut in a remote area in central Mozambique. She has moved from the hut to a small stone house. Although the house is sturdier, there are still drawbacks. “For example, there is no toilet in our house. If it is dark, we have to go outside to urinate. That is not safe,” says Inesi.

Next to her house, a larger house is being built with a place for a toilet, but also with space for separate bedrooms and a kitchen. Inesi is proud of her new house and is glad she has been given the opportunity to have this house built for her entire family.

Two years ago, she got a new chance through a project by Dorcas. Together with her children, she set to work to build a better future. “It started with making a drawing of our life now. Then we drew our dreams, including this new house,” explains Inesi.

To make their dream come true, the yield from their farmland had to improve. Inesi attended agricultural training through Dorcas and learned all about sowing, harvesting, using natural compost, and selling crops. “Previously, I only grew one type of vegetable. If the harvest failed, I had to wait a year for a new opportunity to earn money. Thanks to the training, I learned to grow multiple crops that can be harvested at different times. If one harvest fails, another one will soon follow, giving me another chance to earn money.”

The yield from the land increased, and Inesi earned enough money to take care of her family. Moreover, she was able to save money for her new house. “Every time I save a bit more, I can build the house a little further. It goes step by step, but eventually, we will get there.”

This story was achieved under Dorcas guidance, and now forms part of the legacy and track record that Mãos Unidas proudly continues to build upon.

Published on 21 January 2025

Inesi with her daughter