The people of the small fishing village, Tofo, up the north coast of Mozambique, truly are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will get to meet on your travels around this continent. As with any place that you are new to, it is always best to be on your guard and to keep your eyes and ears open at all times, but the general vibe that you get in this far off and hidden beach cove is that everyone there is just as happy to see a new face as you are to see a new place.
Myself, our Social Projects Coordinator to Mozambique and our Volunteer Travel Program Manager ventured away from the office while we were in Tofo and got a chance to visit with all the schools that we, at All Out Africa, support with funding, volunteer man power in rehabilitating old buildings and building new ones, and teaching the young children core school subjects and how to swim.
Our day trip exploring the schools and getting to meet with the principals and staff was brought to a sudden halt, however, when our private car ran aground on the soft beach sand (which is found everywhere, not just on beach). After trying to dig out the front tires, we were greeted by a most welcome sight: men, women and children from the surrounding homes had come out to see what all the noise from spinning tires and whipping sand through the air was all about. After noticing our dilemma, it was a matter of minutes before they had all come out with whatever tools they each thought would be of help to the predicament we found ourselves in.
It seemed like we would never make it out when finally our driver returned with a van (pick-up truck) filled with men from the village, ready to get us un-stuck, as it were. They attached the cars back bumper to nose, and with one rev of the old van, the car was freed from its sandy prison. We were then, thankfully, on our way once again. It was truly one of the most amazing sights, to see how the village recognized All Out, and they showed their warmth and gratitude by sending over as much help as possible. Simply amazing…
By Melissa de Oliveira – Sales and Marketing Coordinator