Who we are
Associação Moçambicana para Educação em Ciência (Mozambican Association for Science Education) is a non-governmental organization based in the heart of southeast Africa, in the culturally rich capital of Maputo, Mozambique.
Many communities in Mozambique have very limited educational resources, particularly those in remote areas. Our aim is to bring opportunities to under-served schools by providing access to state of the art laboratory equipment and revitalizing school curriculums with strong science and technology lessons.
As the country develops, the gap between public and private education is growing at a rapid pace, and it is critical to ensure greater public access to educational resources, particularly in the sciences. Our goal is to teach, inspire and influence children around Mozambique to become more involved in the sciences and to broaden their opportunities.
To learn more about our mission and projects and to consider supporting our work, please use the contact page.
Our goals
Foster scientific interest.
Many students in Mozambique have very limited exposure to science and technology. Through inspiring educational programs, we aim to instill a love for discovery and scientific learning.
Discover and awaken talent.
Our mobile science labs and lectures will reach students in poor and remote areas of Mozambique with scientific resources and opportunities. Our educators will serve as mentors, giving students a chance to broaden their learning and pursue future jobs in science.
Reduce the gender gap in education.
With an average national literacy rate of only 47%, and a rate of only 28% for women, it is critical to improve educational outcomes and bridge the gender gap in education, including the sciences.
Meet our team
Luis Bras
Founder and President
Luis was born and raised in Maputo, Mozambique. He has a Master’s in Physics and was once the chess champion of Mozambique. Today he is the Headmaster of a private K-12 school just outside of Maputo and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education. He started AMEC to spread his love of science to poor communities and to give opportunities to young bright minds who would otherwise be overlooked.
Benildo Maluleque
Director of Finance and Administration
Benildo has a degree in Civil Engineering from Eduardo Mondlane University and later obtained his Master’s in Water Engineering from Deakin University in Australia. He has worked as an engineering consultant and has 5 years of experience as a Financial Manager for a charity project called Masana. Benildo is also a member of the AMEC board.
Verney Vaz
Director of Development
Verney brings her previous experience as a Management Assistant and HR support staff for a local daycare called the Centro Infantil Os Ursinhos - Colégio Prodígio. She is a member of the AMEC board.
Francisca Machado
Executive Secretary & Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Francisca has 5 years of experience as an Executive Secretary and holds a Certificate in Marketing and Public Relations. In addition, she has worked as an Assistant Teacher, helping students with special needs. Francisca is also a member of the AMEC board.
Jacinto Mchunuane
Human Resources Officer
Jacinto holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Universidad Nacional Experimental de los Llanos Ezequiel Zamora (UNELLEZ) in Venezuela as well as Bachelor’s degrees in Sports Technological Management and Computer Systems Maintenance. He currently works as an assistant collaborator for the faculty of economics at Eduardo Mondlane University and as a Physical Education teacher at the Trichardt School For Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique.
Karina de Sousa
Fundraising and Partnership Manager
Karina is currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in Education at Atlantic International University. She is an English Reading and Language teacher at the Trichardt School for Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique. She has also worked in Sales and Marketing for the Polana Serena Hotel.
Lilia Manhiça
Financial Aid Director
Lilia has a Bachelor's degree in Financial and Banking Management from Wutivi University. She has experience as a credit risk analyst for both companies and entrepreneurs and has worked for the Millennium BIM bank.
Cecilia Van Der Leij
Program Director
Cecilia is a medical doctor with clinical experience at the Central Hospital of Beira. She is currently receiving specialized medical training in Internal Medicine a the Maputo Central Hospital. Cecilia has experience as a University Lecturer at the Instituto Superior de Ciências e Tecnologia Alberto Chipande.
Nercia Nhampossa
Community Relations Director & Volunteer Coordinator
Nercia holds a Bachelor’s degree in French. She currently works as a French and Portuguese teacher at the Trichardt School for Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique. Nercia has been trained by Kings Volunteers to reach children in local communities through games and play. She is also a member of the AMEC board.
Edson Cumbane
Director of Programs
Edson is a Life Sciences and Technology teacher at the Trichardt School for Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique. He also works as a private English tutor. Edson is a member of the AMEC board.
Cristiano Patari
Project Manager
Cristiano is a math teacher for the Trichardt School for Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique. He is also involved in implementing and publishing university research projects.
Paulo Vijarona
Board Member and Advisor
Paulo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology. He serves as the Senior Pastor at Igreja Reformada em Moçambique and as General Director of the Trichardt School for Christian Education in Maputo, Mozambique. He was a General Director of the Masana Project, a local charity, for 10 years.