Twelve young people from Angoche, Larde and Moma completed, on 19 December 2025, a cycle of mid-level professional technical training at the ADPP Polytechnic Institute – Nacala (Muzuane), supported by scholarships financed by MozNorth Project and monitored by the Foundation for the Conservation of Biodiversity (BIOFUND) through the Leadership Program for the Conservation of Mozambique (PLCM).

After three years, the group graduated 10 Agricultural technicians and 2 Civil Construction technicians, a milestone that combines discipline, persistence and a concrete opportunity to enter the job market, pursue entrepreneurship, or continue their studies.

From “yes” in 2023 to completion in 2025

The programme began in January 2023 with 15 young people selected for the Agricultural and Civil Construction courses, through a process conducted by ADPP with the support of local leadership from the three districts covered by the Primeiras e Segundas Islands Environmental Protection Area (APAIPS).

How the support was structured

Between January 2023 and mid-2024, the direct management of the scholarship recipients was under the responsibility of the ADPP Polytechnic Institute – Nacala, under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ADPP and BIOFUND.

BIOFUND, through PLCM, was responsible for ensuring monitoring and supervision.With the start of the collaboration with WWF for the operationalization of MozNorth’s activities at APAIPS, in mid-2024, the scholarship program came under the direct management of this partner, while the MoU (Movement of Trust) remained in effect to cover part of the expenses associated with the training process.

A closing ceremony with stage, merit and recognition

The ceremony was presided over by the Institute’s Director, with the presence of local representatives and partners, including the Muzuane police station, SDJET, the Health Post, the School of Teachers of the Future – ADPP, partners such as Vet Service, as well as WWF and BIOFUND.

In total, 54 young people who completed the courses were recognised: 39 in Agriculture and 15 in Civil Construction. The programme included a message from the finalists, delivery of completion statements and sash placement, remarks from the head table, awards for top students and trainers, cultural activities, the launch of the 8th edition of the PLCM Internship Programme, and a convivial gathering.

The finalists’ message: collective effort and doors opening

The graduates’ message was read by Ahamada Muluco, a MozNorte scholarship recipient, on behalf of the 54 finalists, highlighting the students’ effort and the support provided by the institute, practical training and internship partners, guardians, and trainers.

In the interventions, there were also direct calls for responsibility and focus: the local police commander warned about risks affecting youth in the region, while SDJET underlined that the level achieved opens pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and higher education, with an impact that can inspire other young people in their communities.

What remains after the event

For the 12 APAIPS scholarship recipients, the ceremony was not only an “ending”: it confirmed that, with the right support and persistence, technical and vocational training creates real pathways—and places more local capacity at the service of development and the sustainable management of conservation landscapes.