GULUDO BEACH LODGE is the eco camp where my husband and I spent an intense but inspirational week. Made of a number of adobe and tented bandas lined up on the beach and overlooking the Indian Ocean, it has been built using local craftsmen and traditional techniques and materials. Everything in Guludo Beach Lodge is ecologically proofed, perfectly blended with the seascape and ethically ran. So, no electricity, but only recycled paper, compost toilet, and locally sourced food, organically prepared. The owners, Amy and Neil, a young couple from the UK, have not only managed to coherently adhere to a responsible tourism, but they actually use tourism to relieve poverty in the full respect and admiration of the country's traditions. It is ths anthropological approach and the authenticity of their intentions that deeply impressed me. As well as employing a staff of 50 Mozambicans, they support the local tradesmen and their produce, and give a big slice of the revenue (namely, close to 10%!) to their foundation NEMA. Nema has been helping 12 communities in Northern Mozambique, approximately 15,000 people, addressing five main areas: health, water, education, enterprise and environment. Some of the achievements so far are:
- Feeding 550 children one nutritious school meal every day
- Providing clean water for over 12,000 people from 29 water points.
- Providing over 4,400 mosquito nets to mothers of young children.
- Currently fund 79 Secondary School Scholars. They are also building a school and a craft shop in Guludo village which I visited during my stay. The craft shop is financed by the personal savings of Emma, the chef. And the school's work is project-managed by Eva, the operational manager of Nema. These three young ladies, three English roses with an admirable inner strength, have become my 2009 inspirations! Before I tell you all about my fantastic experience with Amy, Emma, Eva and the children of Guludo, please watch this informative video which shows the difference Amy & Co. are making to this slice of the world.
- Feeding 550 children one nutritious school meal every day
- Providing clean water for over 12,000 people from 29 water points.
- Providing over 4,400 mosquito nets to mothers of young children.
- Currently fund 79 Secondary School Scholars. They are also building a school and a craft shop in Guludo village which I visited during my stay. The craft shop is financed by the personal savings of Emma, the chef. And the school's work is project-managed by Eva, the operational manager of Nema. These three young ladies, three English roses with an admirable inner strength, have become my 2009 inspirations! Before I tell you all about my fantastic experience with Amy, Emma, Eva and the children of Guludo, please watch this informative video which shows the difference Amy & Co. are making to this slice of the world.
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