Masana

Our Story

An ever-growing population of boys consider the streets of Maputo, Mozambique their home. Poverty, problematic family situations, and an inability amongst families to support their loved ones have caused many boys to seek refuge in the inner city. Those seeking new lives of opportunity are instead forced to face the realities of life on the street and the daunting task of returning home.

Mozambique is a nation rich in tradition and community. Families are extensive and well-adept at caring for those closest to them. These families and these communities are the key to ending street-living amongst Maputo’s youth. It is by engaging the pre-existing family structure already in place in Mozambique that Masana fights this epidemic of street boys. Simply put: returning them home.

Our base of operations is a day-center where we first get to know the boys (ages 18 and under) that make their way through our doors. We provide things like nutritional meals, education, access to first aid, healthcare and hygiene, and a safe place for the kids to be kids. Through these daily activities at the center, our staff members work to build deeper relationships with the boys to better understand their needs and the individual circumstances that brought them to us.

Once a boy expresses his desire to return home, our reintegration team works with the families and the boys to provide counseling, create an education plan, and assess and meet other needs as they arise. Full reintegration can often take years, but we are committed to investing in our boys for the entirety of their journey home. Since 2009, Masana has succeeded in reintegrating over 140 boys into local homes. We believe each one has the potential to change his direction in life and become a man of character, contributing to society.