Meet the FIUTS Winter 2022 SUSIs: Mozambique
FIUTS is thrilled to welcome 20 undergraduates from Angola, Botswana, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as part of the 2022 Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement. While this program usually takes place in person in Seattle, we are excited to work with these students virtually over the next few weeks, and hopefully welcome them to Seattle in person once it’s safe for them to travel.
During the 5-week virtual program, the group will study civic engagement and the history of social movements and social change in the United States. They will take part in activities to build their leadership and intercultural communication skills, and plan Community Action Projects that they’ll then implement after the conclusion of the program.
Over the next couple of weeks, FIUTS will introduce the SUSI participants from one of the six country groups that make up the Winter 2022 cohort. Continue on to read more about the SUSIs representing Mozambique!
Jacob Fernando
My name is Jacobo Manuel Fernando, I am a 25 years old young man, from Gorongosa-Sofala-Mozambique. I was born in a small remote area known as M'bango la N'goma which stands for "Drum of mountain" and I grew up in the Gorongosa village. I am the third born of the family and I have got four siblings (two males and two females). We were raised by a single handedly mother, my father passed away when I was eight in 2004. Ever since then, we ran up against uncomfortable hard times, but my mother did everything she could just to get by and thanks to her, She always supported us with our schooling.
I work at Gorongosa National Park, I am part of the Human Development Department and I play the role of Education Supervisor for the Youth Clubs Program, and I hope to graduate from a university in an Education Organization and Management soon.
However, I got myself involved in leadership from a very young age around 10 I started volunteering to lead small groups at church, later in highschool when I was 17 it came to light, from there on I have been part of several leadership groups including youth Clubs Program and my overall impact throughout this journey resulted in theater presentations, life skill, study group, leadership and environmental conservation sessions and awarenesses, radio program broadcasting and so many more, reaching over 15,000 individuals including youths in remote areas as well as townships and bigger cities. I chose to work in Youth Development and Advocacy because of how many young people I see in my community taking harmful paths, abusing drugs and alcohol, having poor relationship with their parents and getting pregnant or married at a young age.
"We must stand bravely and wisely together. Otherwise, we will lose the heir of tomorrow, because I believe young people need lessons to teach them life skills and boost their self-esteem" by me(Jacobo Manuel Fernando)
Lilly Benny
My name is Lillian Benny. I am Mozambican who is 24 years of age, born and raised in Maputo. I consider myself a creative individual and I currently use photography as a medium of expression, I am inspired by art the beauty and richness of diversity in Mozambique and nature as a collective. I am an individual who tries her best to be involved in the bettering of others and myself whether in community work or personal life these experiences shape me an individual and challenge me to bend and adapt to have patience and grow.
I have an interest in psychology , sustainability and Education which is my current field of study as an English teacher, I have a passion and interest for the language which drives me and I will be one of the pioneers in my country to modify and integrate the English public teaching system.
Tarsis Santos
I am Kassia Tarsis Retagi. A 23 year old young woman who loves to travel and sometimes read the same book, and also believes in humanity growth and evolvement. I´m from Maputo - Mozambique, studying business and working towards being a very successful human in general.
All my life I stood in my comfort zone and still am in some ways, but trying to push myself into doing things that are past that line, something like applying to this program, and guess what? I did it! In my interview, there was something coming up a lot - to have confidence in yourself - and I should have it more often.
I hope I can come out of this program a more powerful person and confident professional, cause I sure am past every boundary I unconsciously set for myself.
I am very much interested in how I´ll develop my skills throughout this month and my outcome.
The Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Meridian International Center and FIUTS. The Winter 2022 program will run virtually from January 10-February 11.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes promote a better understanding of the people, institutions, and culture of the United States among students, teachers, and scholars. Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) are short-term academic programs for groups of undergraduate leaders, educators, and scholars from around the world. Learn more about the Study of the U.S. Institutes here.