In partnership with F&H Consultoria, Grindrod developed a Community Centre for the community of Sibaccuse in the Marracuene district. The centre will serve as a multifunctional space for education, training, health consultancy, and community involvement events and meetings and will benefit 3 500 to 4000 individuals.
The inauguration ceremony was held on 14 December 2023 in Bobole, and saw the active participation of the entire local community, alongside representatives of surrounding communities. Cultural activities marked the occasion, celebrating the collaborative effort of the Sibaccuse Community, Grindrod, and the Local Secretary of Marracuene.
Ismenia Ferreira, HR Manager at Grindrod in Mozambique, expressed the company's joy in contributing to the community and neighbouring areas. "With this initiative, we believe we are truly impacting the Sibaccuse Community, making a difference in society by investing in women and children. Women are the educators, and children are the future." Ismenia also highlighted the positive impact of the health centre, stating that the Ministry of Health had already partnered with the Sibaccuse Community with an organised health day at the facility. This event included vaccinations and eye and ear tests, as well as providing women with birth control, benefiting over 400 patients. The centre's impact will extend to both the Sibaccuse Community and surrounding communities. "We want to reach as many people as possible and know that we are truly touching lives."
The Community Teaching and Learning Centre will train 25 individuals from the Sibaccuse Women-Led Community Association (SWLCA), empowering them to manage and maintain the community centre.
F&H Consultoria highlighted the centre's dual role, serving not only as an educational hub but also as a crucial cultural center fostering pride and community cohesion.
With this initiative, Grindrod reaffirms its commitment to making a positive difference in Africa's trade with the world, actively impacting the lives of the communities in which it operates.
