Daycare Centre Girassol Impaputo
The Girassol Impaputo Centre is located about 62 km from Maputo town and 25 km from Namaacha. It opened in 2007 in response to a severe humanitarian crisis that time marked by malnutrition, school dropout, early pregnancy, drug exposure, and child trafficking which continue to be key challenges until today.
Impaputo was originally founded in 1947 by families surviving through firewood and charcoal production. When natural resources declined, many parents migrated to South Africa, returning ill with HIV/AIDS, leaving behind countless orphans. Malnutrition became so severe at that time that two to three children died each week. The Sisters began with a small emergency feeding project, but soon understood that long-term action was needed. They established the Girassol Centre to reduce hunger, keep children in school, prevent early pregnancy and protect young people from exploitation along the drug corridor.
Today, Girassol supports 120 children & youth aged 3-21 with meals, tutoring, literacy support, moral education, safe activities and psychosocial care.
