The two young women, both in their early twenties, waited anxiously at the bus stop. When would someone come to pick them up and take them to their new lodgings?
They were tired. They had been travelling for several days, first on foot, then by bus along dusty, bumpy country roads. It had been an exciting adventure at the beginning, the first time they had left their home village. But now uncertainty, unfamiliarity with the local language, and a sense of being very alone, were taking a toll on their confidence.
Then a young couple drove up. “Abdul?” they asked tentatively. The man shook his head. “But we’ve come to help you,” he explained.
The two young women looked at each other nervously. What was going to happen to them?
Saved from danger
The women came from a very poor rural community, and their families could barely make ends meet. And then they met Abdul, who promised them a well paid job in the big city. And so they travelled in hope of a better life.
The couple who met them were from Oasis Mozambique, a community transformation organisation that has been in operation for 20 years. Oasis teams have been trained to recognise people at risk of being trafficked into slavery-like conditions which are hard to escape from. They regularly patrol bus and train stops where they know people at risk may be found.
The intervention team contacted Abdul, and his evasive answers quickly convinced them he wasn’t to be trusted. So they explained the risks to the young women and offered their support. The women returned to their village safely.
This is a true story which happened 5 or 6 years ago.
Oasis was formerly able to save about 2,000 people a year from being trafficked, but cuts to USAID support have placed these programs at risk in 2025.
Oasis and community transformation
Combatting human trafficking (which involves interception, awareness campaigns and prevention) is only one part of Oasis’ work. Most of their programs aim at building up communities to help lift them out of poverty and improve wellbeing.
Community Health
Health promotion activities focused on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, sexual and reproductive health, water, sanitation, hygiene and care of victims of sexual and gender-based violence.
Livelihoods
Strengthening economic independence through conservation agriculture, small business support, income-generating projects, and inclusive social enterprises for vulnerable groups.
Youth Empowerment
Engaging young people as peer facilitators to promote health (including sexual and reproductive health), support HIV responses, and foster social dialogue.
Climate Change Response and Recovery
Building the economic and mental resilience of communities affected by extreme weather events and promoting mental health, well-being, and adaptation to changing realities.
Internally Displaced Persons Response
Holistic support to people displaced by conflict, with a focus on improving mental health and well-being.
Empowering people
Oasis’ work is very people oriented. Its ethos is based on the view that people need caring relationships within a community. Therfore much is accomplished through building trust and support in communities via small care groups in which “mother leaders” teach health and hygiene, and savings groups. Its work is slow but deep, as people are trained, supported and allowed to develop their leadership gifts.
Nhamo once had little knowledge or understanding of hygiene and sanitation. As a result she frequently suffered from diarrhoea & cholera and hospital visits became routine. But though Oasis, Nhamo has received health education, giving her confidence and dignity. She now trains other women (see top photo).
14 years ago, Marquinha became a Care Group Facilitator in Manga Loforte, a neighbourhood in the city of Beira and home to many displaced people. There was once little sense of community, but Oasis has worked to build community and wellbeing via small care groups. Since that time she has become a community leader, leading and empowering other women.
For other stories of lives transformed via Oasis, see this page.
The big picture
Oasis is a Christian organisation, believing that all people have inherent worth and dignity and all men and women, though different, are equal.
I especially appreciate Oasis’ “big picture” understanding of the problems faced in poor and marginalised communities.
Recognising the challenges (“Wounding Tree”) ….
…. can lead to solutions and better outcomes (“Healing Tree”)
Oasis & Tearfund Australia
Tearfund Australia is a Christian agency working for a just and compassionate world. I support Tearfund because it partners with local Christian agencies to develop long-term holistic transformation for communities facing poverty and injustice. First world “solutions” are not imposed on third world countries.
Oasis Mozambique is one of the organisations Tearfund supports via funding.
If, like me, you’re aware of your privilege and relative wealth in an unequal world, you may like to support Oasis or Tearfund financially and help make the world slightly less unequal and a better place.
Graphics supplied by Oasis and Tearfund and used with their permission.
