My name is Jean B Manirakiza. I was born and raised in Bujumbura /Burundi (Central Africa ). I am going to Macuse , Mozambique for a six months volunteer project. Prior to joining the volunteer program at the Institute for International Cooperation and Development (IICD), I lived and worked in Washington D.C for 4 years. I am excited about the opportunity to volunteer in Mozambique .There has been a change of plan during my training period , therefore instead of Angola-where I was initially assigned to go- I will volunteer in Mozambique.The nature of the work remains almost the same and both countries share a common political and historical background(ex portuguese colonies )
   I will work in Escola de Professores Futuro (School for Future Teachers ) a Training College designed to train primary school teachers who will work in rural areas. Not only these teachers need to acquire knowledge and technical skills, the college prepares them to become development catalysts or leaders in communities where they work.
   As a volunteer, I will teach English as a Second Language, coach sport teams as well as providing basic computing lessons .
I will work in cooperation with the school administration to explore possible production activities for the school self-reliance. I will help developing income generating activities either by improving on existing services, or promoting new products and services, creating partnerships with various community stakeholders
   I am excited about the opportunity and I hope to learn much from this experience. My goal is to know more about Africa as I try to lend a hand . If at the end of the program , one more child is given an opportunity to be all he can be, I would have succeeded.