Iris Ministries Matola Rio

Project Description

The project in Mozambique is part of Iris Ministries. The project is called Projecto Rafael and is run by the Dutch Corrie Ockhuysen. It is an orphanage in Matola Rio. There are currently about 40 children living there, most of whom suffer from AIDS. Their ages range from 1 to 18 years old. Corrie Ockhuysen founded this home in November 2005.

What does the day look like:

The day begins early in Mozambique with a communal breakfast of bread and tea. Afterwards, the children go to school. As soon as they return, they contribute by preparing food and washing clothes. Besides their chores, there is plenty of time for relaxation, playing games, and doing homework. In the evening, all the children come together for dinner and prayer. Dinner usually consists of rice, beans, and vegetables, with chicken once a week and fish once a week. Special gatherings with worship, teaching, and prayer take place on Wednesday afternoons and Friday evenings.

Project information:

In November 2005, Dutch Corrie Ockhuysen founded this center with the vision of offering children with AIDS, or children who have lost their parents to AIDS, a safe place and a future. Great attention is paid to maintaining a warm family atmosphere. In addition to daily care for the children, Corrie and her team also organize evangelism activities for children in the area and hold church services.

Many of the children arrive at the center malnourished and sick. Thanks to medical examinations, appropriate medication, and personal guidance, they often flourish quickly. In a safe and warm home, they are given the opportunity to gain weight, recover, and build a stable foundation for their future. Thanks to sponsorship, the children can go to school and work towards a hopeful future.

The project is part of Iris Ministries and is located in Matola Rio. Currently, approximately 40 children live there, most of whom suffer from AIDS, ranging in age from 1 to 18 years old. For older boys, there is an 18+ house where they jointly maintain a piece of land and a dwelling. Once children turn 18, they are no longer allowed to stay at the children's center; this house offers them a good transition to independence. Additionally, the project supports some girls over 18 who still require guidance and support. Given the high unemployment rate in Mozambique, this is of great importance for their development towards adulthood.

Thanks to sponsorship, the children receive a warm meal daily, homework help, and a school uniform. There is also time for personal attention, sports, and games. This allows them to develop in a safe, loving environment.