In 2000 and 2001, Mozambique suffered the effects of two devastating floods which killed hundreds and left over half a million homeless. In an emergency camp ran by the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of Maputo, a community emerged witha dream to rebuild its future on a new basis. More details here: http://tinyurl.com/cafodblog2009

1. Bairro de Mumemo, Mozambique A small community in Southern Africa is reclaiming its future with your help. This is your story.

2. In 2000 and 2001, Mozambique suffered the effects of two devastating floods which killed hundreds and left over half a million homeless. In an emergency camp ran by the Franciscan Hospitaller Sisters of Maputo, a community emerged with a dream to rebuild its future on a new basis.

3. Under the Sisters' guidance, they obtained planning permission in Mumemo and securing international funds, set out to rehouse 1,777 families who had lost everything. Each family was awarded a house and a garden big enough to run a small farm, grow vegetables and fruit trees.

4. Without easy access to water, health and food security are in danger. Through CAFOD, you funded a network aiming to bring water to each Mumemo family. As it is being rolled out, domestic hygiene conditions are improving and the irrigation of individual gardens is greatly facilitated.

5. You helped set up a nursery to produce fruit trees for families, acacias for shade and casuarinas to slow erosion. Community farms are now used as educational projects, producing food and generating income to support orphans and vulnerable children as well as people living with HIV/AIDS. The community is becoming self-sufficient and working in a sustainable way.

6. HIV/AIDS is the biggest health issue affecting the community. You funded a specialist unit which provides education, testing, counselling and specialist support for people living with the virus. About 400 orphans and vulnerable children are cared for, from the provision of basic needs to specialist support, education and recreational activities.

7. Mumemo has always put education at the core of its community development. The primary school was one of the first buildings to be erected. The kindergarten was built shortly after, followed by a vocational centre which obtained full certification from the Ministry of Education in 2006. The vocational centre is now a boarding school attracting over 650 students from all over the district.

8. Over the years, Mumemo has put in place an impressive number of initiatives to support income generation and self-sustainability of families: from courses in fashion to micro-credit lending, a 2400m 2 sheltered market place, educational farming projects managing livestock and agricultural production which is consumed or sold on, wood and metal work training, a bakery, seminar room rental...

9. On their own terms and with extraordinary creativity, the Mumemo community is tackling the challenges and hardships brought about by social injustice and poverty.

10. Your support means CAFOD and its local partners can continue working alongside communities like Mumemo to help families make a living in safety and with dignity.

11. With your support, communities like Mumemo can start facing the future with confidence. The mere knowledge that someone, somewhere on the other side of the world cares, goes a long way.

12. Your support is the first step towards lasting change. And with your support, the story is only just beginning.

13. To support projects like Bairro de Mumemo: Donate online now at www.cafod.org.uk/donate Buy someone you love a World Gift at www.worldgifts.cafod.org.uk Thank you for making a difference Picture credits: Joca Faria