Rebuilding Hope: How small repairs transformed a school after cyclone Filipo
"If we make the school a place where children want to be, they will respect it and value education even more."
Inhassoro, Inhambane - "A school should be a place where children feel safe and inspired to learn," says Agostinho Floom Floay, a school manager in Mangungumete Primary School in Inhassoro district, Inhambane Province. For years, he has worked to make the school a welcoming environment for students and the community. But when Cyclone Filipo struck, everything changed.
The storm severely damaged the school’s infrastructure, tearing off roofs, flooding classrooms, and leaving teachers struggling to continue lessons. Mangungumete Primary School serves as a crucial learning space for the community, making the impact of the cyclone even more devastating. “Whenever it rained, students had to be sent home because water would pour into the classrooms. Some classes had to be merged, and learning was constantly disrupted,” he recalls.
The small repairs that followed brought renewed hope. Classrooms were restored, sanitary facilities were rebuilt, and students could finally return to a safe and structured learning environment. “Now, children have proper classrooms and clean spaces. Learning is no longer interrupted, and they feel more comfortable at school,” he says.
Beyond just repairs, the improvements created a shift in school culture. “A good learning environment isn’t just about buildings—it’s about how students feel in their space. With these changes, they are more engaged, and teachers can teach without constant disruptions,” he explains.
Looking ahead, he hopes to continue enhancing the school, ensuring a better future for the students. “If we make the school a place where children want to be, they will respect it and value education even more,” he says with determination.
Through resilience and support, small repairs have led to a big transformation, proving that a safe and welcoming school is the foundation for a brighter future.
Mangungumete Primary School was rehabilitated with funds from the Today and Tomorrow Initiative (TTI). Mozambique is one of eight countries piloting UNICEF’s TTI, the world’s first integrated climate and disaster risk finance mechanism designed specifically for children and young people.
