![Nhamatanda, 01 July 2025 – The official launch of Associação Mãos Unidas (AMU) took place today, marking the beginning of a new, locally led chapter in the history of community development in Mozambique. The event brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, and community members. AMU is the direct continuation of over […]](https://maos-unidas.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/128/NDI_0289.jpg)
Nhamatanda, 01 July 2025 – The official launch of Associação Mãos Unidas (AMU) took place today, marking the beginning of a new, locally led chapter in the history of community development in Mozambique. The event brought together government representatives, development partners, civil society organisations, and community members.
AMU is the direct continuation of over 20 years of impactful work by Dorcas International in Mozambique. The transition represents a strategic shift toward local ownership, sustainability, and long-term community empowerment.
“Today, we are not just inaugurating an organisation — we are beginning a new chapter in our commitment to Mozambican communities.”
— Florêncio Marerua, Executive Director of AMU
AMU’s mission focuses on climate resilience, sustainable livelihoods, access to safe water and sanitation, and humanitarian response, with a strong emphasis on influencing inclusive public policies. More than just a name, AMU represents a movement driven by local experience, leadership and vision.
Agnes Kroese, CEO of Dorcas International, was present at the event and addressed the audience with a powerful message:
“The creation of AMU fulfils a promise: to shift power, leadership, and vision into local hands. Dorcas is not stepping away, but stepping back — to walk alongside AMU as a sister organisation.”
A moving testimony was shared by Joana Manhota, a community member whose life has been transformed through Dorcas’ livelihood programmes:
“With Dorcas, I was able to buy a motorbike. Today, my daughter is attending university — thanks to the sustainability and resilience practices I learned.”
The launch of AMU is not the end of a journey, but the beginning of a new, local movement for community-driven development in Mozambique — led by Mozambicans, for Mozambicans.
AMU invites partners, donors, institutions, and individuals to join hands in building resilient, inclusive, and empowered communities across the country.
To learn more about AMU’s programmes or to explore partnership opportunities, please get in touch with us.