Nhapúpwè is a non-profit organization in Mozambique dedicated to better early education in Preschool and Primary School—for every child.
From our inclusive classrooms to our intercultural team, we believe differences make us stronger. Nhapúpwè means butterfly in the local language. It’s a symbol that helps children understand every color and shape brings beauty to the world.
- Our motto: Diversity enriches!
Values & Vision
Preschool And Primary School
Nhapúpwè’s practical work covers preschool and primary school education. Our school is a joyful, inclusive place where children of different backgrounds, with and without disabilities, learn together. Families who can afford it pay a solidarity fee, allowing one-third of students from low-income families to attend.
Training and Consultation
To help boost the quality of basic education in Mozambique sustainably, Nhapúpwè shares its know-how with local partners through hands-on training and strategic consultation services.
Innovation
Since day one, Nhapúpwè has been developing pedagogical innovations to answer one big question: How can we make great education happen—even with limited financial resources? That’s what drives our creative, hands-on teaching ideas.
The History of Nhapúpwè
2005 - 2006
In 2005, two Mozambican teachers and a German special education teacher teamed up with a parents’ initiative to start a preschool. It began with just five children playing and learning in a garden while a suitable house was being renovated. From the start, the school followed a solidarity model: families who could afford it helped cover the fees for those who couldn’t. Learning materials and toys were handmade from local resources. The children enjoyed themselves and learned well; more and more families joined.
2007 - 2010
In 2007, Nhapúpwè became a formal non-profit organization, and with over 25 children, the search for a bigger space began. Other preschools showed interest in our methods and materials, leading to our first teacher trainings that same year. As more children and educators joined, parents called for the concept to expand into primary education.
2011 - 2013
With support from the German embassy and donors, construction of a school building began in 2011, and the first grade opened in 2012. A support association was founded in Germany. Demand for Nhapúpwè’s training and consulting grew, along with partnerships with local authorities—even helping shape the national teacher training curriculum. Trainings expanded nationwide with various partners. In 2012, Nhapúpwè met mobilezone (then powwow), whose support gave the project a huge boost. Regular donations funded dedicated buildings for the preschool and primary school, allowing more children to enroll and strengthening Nhapúpwè’s standing with the government and partners.
2014 until Today
In 2014, Nhapúpwè began training teachers and trainers from national teacher institutes. In the years that followed, we partnered with UNICEF to reach many more educators in northern Mozambique. Thanks to mobilezone, new classrooms opened in 2018, allowing our primary school to run two classes per grade and welcome even more students. Today, over 350 children attend our preschool and primary school, supported by a team of 30+ staff dedicated to both the children and sharing Nhapúpwè’s educational approach.
Partners
