All the work of the Foundation is carried out by our dynamic 2-person team, Jose Manuel and Veronica under the guidance and supervision of Angela who is based in the UK. As part of our sustainability strategy, we have trained members of the local community to provide training and support to local groups, such as the savings and credit groups and the mentors who lead discussions attended by the young girls participating in the girls’ empowerment meetings.
Veronica, a native of Zambezia (Quelimane) was trained with Kulima, a national NGO, who were the forerunners of the savings and credit groups that are supported by the Zalala Foundation. She is based in the Foundation’s community house in Supinho and splits her time between Supinho and Idugo. Since joining the team, she has succeeding in practically doubling the number of people participating in the scheme and, her support and guidance has also resulted in significantly increasing the savings and money in circulation in both communities. Since 2018, she has become increasingly involved in the development of the project with young girls in Idugo. Her faith and belief in the girl’s potential has not only contributed to their own self-confidence and empowerment, but has also had a marked impact on their parents, teachers and the local leaders who now look up to them with pride and admiration.
José’s career in community work began in the late eighties when he co-founded KULIMA, a national Mozambican NGO , established during the difficult civil war period. José headed the Zambezia branch with a strong focus on cooperativism and small business management. He was first employed by Zalala Beach Lodge as a consultant trainer to work with the local community groups in Supinho and Idugo. In 2016, he took up the position of Community Coordinator and helped to establish the Zalala Foundation. In addition to this role, he continues to provide training in leadership, organisational management, cooperativism and small business development. With his boundless enthusiasm and deep-seated commitment, Jose has already proven to be a great asset to the community team.
Angela is the founder and director of the Zalala Foundation. Between 1994-2006, she worked in policy development and research for ACORD, a pan-African not-for profit organisation promoting peace and development in over 20 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Her main focus was on gender empowerment and tackling the stigma of HIV/AIDS. It was during this time that Angela became passionate about working with African communites. Soon after leaving ACORD, she decided to start up her own business in Mozambique and 2 years later, Zalala Beach Lodge was born. The main impetus and focus of this Responsible Tourism initiative is its work with local communities aimed at improving the lives and living conditions of local people. As this work has continued to grow and expand, she decided to establish the Zalala Foundation as a way of opening up new funding opportunities. Angela is based in the UK from where she guides and directs the work of the Foundation’s Community Team in the field.