Becoming an Ocean Ambassador in Mozambique
While 60% of Mozambicans live close to the ocean and most depend on it for their food and livelihood, many of them – and particularly girls – do not know how to swim. So, finding a young female surfer in the coastal town of Tofo Beach is a rare occurrence. Here is Julia’s story about becoming an ocean ambassador.
But Julia, 18, is a rather special young lady. Just a year after learning to surf, she has fallen in love with surfing and is now hoping to become an instructor. Mel spoke with her to learn about her journey.
How did you learn to surf?
I learned to surf in Tofo with Narciso Nhamposa, a surfing instructor from the Marine Megafauna Foundation. Before learning I was really afraid of the water, I didn’t feel safe and nobody could teach me. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be a surfer.
Why were you afraid?
I thought I would die if I fell,” she laughed. “But nothing happened. It was quite difficult for me to learn at the beginning but Narciso was a good teacher. It took me a few days to learn how to do it.
That’s really fast!
Yes. I was very scared on the first day but then the fear passed quickly and I grew to really enjoy it.
How do you feel when you surf now?
When I am surfing and catch many waves I feel really happy and it changes my emotions. It gave me a new way of life. I would recommend to any children, and more particularly to girls to try and learn.
What are your hopes for the future?
I hope for a future where the surfing will not end. Now, I would like to be a professional surfer or a surf instructor and share my experiences, my past fears and my happiness. I want to be a surfer forever. Becoming an ocean ambassador makes me feel unstoppable!
What is it like to be a woman in Mozambique?
I don’t know how to explain that exactly. Strangely, I think I find it easy to be a woman here. I think one of the things I find difficult in my life is the problem that I do not know how to write.
Is there anything you would like to change about life in Mozambique?
Yes. Lots of people come to Mozambique to scuba dive but it is very expensive so local people cannot dive. I would like to learn to be a diver. Also, there are very few medical people here. I think it would be good to have more nurses.
How would you encourage someone from overseas to visit your country?
Life is good here in Mozambique. The people get along well and we are happy so it is a nice place to visit. Also, it’s a great place to come on holidays because of the ocean – in Mozambique you can see lots of wildlife like whale sharks and dolphins!
The Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) has launched a new GoFundMe campaign for its flagship education programme, Ocean Guardians, which aims to inspire a new generation of marine conservationists in Mozambique. The initiative combines marine conservation education, life-saving swimming lessons and extra Saturday activities like beach clean ups and ocean safaris to teach young people how to live with and protect the ocean. For more information or to donate, please visit: www.gofundme.com/ocean-guardia
Would you be interested in becoming an ocean ambassador?
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Kate Davis-Holmes
Award-winning writer, blogger, social media consultant and charity campaigner. Social Media Manager for BritMums, the UK's largest parent blogging network Freelance clients include Firefly Communications and Save the Children UK. Works with brands on marketing projects. Examples include Visit Orlando, Give As You Live, Coca-Cola and Kodak. Cambridge Law graduate with many years experience working across three sectors in advice, media relations, events, training and project management. Available for hire at affordable rates.
11 Comments
Simone Ribeiro
I would love to visit Mozambique someday. Well done to Julia and her remarkable work. It must be rewarding!
MMT
Wow – it sounds like a different world, but I love Julia’s attitude. In a world where learning to write is a privilege she sounds happy embracing the simpler things in life like the joy in surfing. We could all take a lesson from her!
Thanks for linking to #coolmumclub
Veronica Lee
Julia is amazing! I hope to visit Mozambique someday.
#FabFridayPost
Lisa Pomerantz
I must admit, I’d be a little scared too! Bravo to Julia for overcoming her fear! #fabfridaypost xoxo
Mummy Setra
What a lovely piece. It sounds like a fantastic foundation. #triumphanttales
Helena
Thanks for sharing this. I think it’s really interesting to discover how different people in the world live, think and feel. #CoolMumClub
Welsh Mum Writing
I love this. I often wonder about ares which are tourist hotspots for activities. Too often they are luxuries which the local population just can’t afford. It’s a cruel irony really. What a fantastic cause. I’d be too scared to go diving. I can’t even manage a snorkel! #TriumphantTales
Sarah Stockley
Amazing Julia – what a fantastic thing to do! #FabFridayPost
Mrs Mummy Harris
Its fascinating to hear about other parts of the world that are so different to our way of life! Thank you for sharing this with us at #TriumphantTales. I hope to see you back tomorrow.
Claire Saul
What a lovely young lady with a great attitude to life – let us hope that her surfing continues and that one day she can learn to both read and dive. thanks for sharing on #MMLinky (I’m a bt late commenting but will pin for you)
Su {Ethan & Evelyn}
What a wonderful person! It really show that you can not be afraid of things if you don’t give it a go at first. Really glad Julia has found her calling and that she is training to become a woman surf instructor. That’s really rare and good for her! A person to be admired for for sure. I have made a small donation. I hope she’ll catch her dream to come true soon. xx