The Chekwaedzera Association, led by Samuel Magassosso, the 2004 African Winner of UNDP Poverty Award, is one of the beneficiaries.
Maputo, 25 May 2005 – Citigroup is a prominent global financial services company from the United States, with operations in more than 100 countries. For more than a century, Citigroup has been part of the fabric of thousands of cities and neighborhoods around the world and is known as a company dedicated to community service, pursuing to make a positive difference in the communities where it intervenes.
In January 2003, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Citigroup decided to work together in the support to local communities in Mozambique and South Africa. This is also part of the UN efforts to engage the private sector to address key development challenges in developing countries, in order to accelerate implementation of the Millennium Development Goals.
In March 2004, clients of the Citigroup Private Bank visited Maputo, Manica and Sofala provinces in Mozambique. Being the first of its kind, the visit provided a unique opportunity for Citigroup clients to become familiar with UN activities at the country level.
‘The Journey to Africa’, as it is known, set a new ground strengthening the partnership between the UN and the Citigroup clients. The feedback of the journey to Africa has been overwhelming with clients making a contribution of $122,000.00 matched by the UN Foundation with $134,200.00 In addition to client contributions, the Citigroup Foundation contributed $ 100,000 to microfinance efforts in Mozambique.
The funds will be channeled to nine UN supported projects in Mozambique, as follows:
1. Centro Juvenil de Artesanato (MOZARTE). UNESCO supported organisation, aimed at providing basic education and professional training to youth including orphans and single mothers;
2. Kindlimuka, an association of people living with HIV/AIDS. Jointly supported by UNDP, UNICEF, WFP and UNAIDS, it aims at carrying out prevention, care and advocacy activities;
3. União Geral das Cooperativas, a peasant’s cooperative which counts with FAO support. It aims at providing agricultural inputs and services including legal counseling on land related issues as well as social support services such as day care and education to its members and communities;
4. Centro Aberto Betlaem. Also supported by FAO, aiming at providing shelter and assistance to more than 130 HIV&AIDS orphaned children between 3-15;
5. Association per il Bambini del Mozambico. A WFP supported organisation, aimed at providing health care, counseling, schooling and food for more than 1,350 children;
6. Child-to-Child Radio Network. UNICEF funded project, aimed at offering more than 20 programmes written by and for youth in local languages and Portuguese on topics including HIV&AIDS, children rights and environmental protection;
7. Tinotenda. WFP supported organization, aimed at taking care of boys orphaned by HIV&AIDS with the goal of locating family members for reintegration into family life;
8. Cooperativa de Deficientes Visuais e Amblíopes. A FAO supported organisation, aimed at providing economic opportunities and livelihoods to visually and physically impaired people;
9. Chekwaedzera Farmers Association, a 70-member group, all former war refugees, aimed at promoting small agro-business in the struggle against poverty with UNDP support; Mr. Samuel Magassosso, the 2004 African winner of the UNDP Poverty Award, leads the Chekwaedzera Farmers Association. From the Citigroup contribution, his Farmers Association will receive some 23,000 USD to be invested in the expansion of its activities.
For more information, please contact Nelson Xavier, UNDP Public Information Officer.
Mobile phone: + 258 82 3140600
Office + 258 01 481438
E-mail: nelson.xavier@undp.org
UNDP is the UN’s global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We are on the ground in 166 countries, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. As they develop local capacity, they draw on the people of UNDP and our wide range of partners.