On 23 July 2026, the Vanessa Macamo Foundation held a reading-promotion activity at Filipe Samuel Magaia Primary School, donating the book “A Maria que Não Vai com as Outras” to 6th-grade pupils. The initiative involved both girls and boys and highlighted education as a tool for social transformation.
Reading, literacy and prevention
The activity aimed to encourage an interest in reading, promote literacy and contribute to pupils’ academic and personal development. It also raised awareness of the prevention of abuse and violence, the importance of asking for help and the role of communication in individual and collective protection.
The Vanessa Macamo Foundation presented its mission and explained its support for initiatives connected to education and access to knowledge. The message shared with pupils stressed that reading informs, protects and transforms, opening opportunities and helping children and young people make more informed decisions.
Participation of the author and MEM
The activity included Iva Mauaie, the book’s author and a representative of the Women Empowering Women Association (MEM). While presenting the book, she discussed the importance of speaking about abuse, breaking the silence and seeking assistance from trusted people and institutions.
The message “Silence makes us ill. Words set us free.” was shared with pupils as encouragement to express themselves, engage in dialogue and seek help. The symbolic presentation of the books brought pupils closer to the work and stimulated their interest in reading.
Education that protects and transforms
The initiative strengthened cooperation between the Foundation, the school and MEM, recognising reading as a tool for learning, protection and development. The pupils’ active participation showed the importance of creating educational spaces where children and young people can learn, ask questions and share experiences.
The Vanessa Macamo Foundation reaffirms its commitment to supporting activities that promote education, literacy, violence prevention and stronger communities. Reading informs, protects and transforms.