While in Nampula, Mozambique this summer I experienced many things that I would have never experienced anywhere else. Our first few nights in Nampula were spent on introductions to the farm called “Novos Horizontes” which means “New Horizons." The farm owner, Andrew, and his wife, Claire, and their son, Zachy, guided us through various parts of the farm and their home. Places we visited included the abattoir which is where chickens are processed (i.e. slaughtered), out-grower homes where farmers tend to chickens outside their home, and the International Repali School that is being built thanks to the farms in existence. The poultry science students paired with the non-poultry students and we analyzed different parts of the farm separately to come up with a list of standard operating procedures. Andrew allowed us to decide between joining the hatchery, feed mill, “Eggs for Africa”, abattoir, packaging, or the out-growers.
I chose to do my internship work at “Eggs for Africa,” which is where the layers hen houses are. While I was there, Poultry Science major Katie helped me understand the things I did not know about chickens before I came. One thing I learned is that eggs from layer hens are like the chickens menstrual cycle when compared to humans. I used to think all eggs were potential chicks up until that moment.
Our guides, Moses, the production manager, and Jean Marie, the production worker spoke English well. They provided a list of things done before receiving chicks all the way up until they are ready to be sold at the market. They are the ones who taught me how they vaccinate their chickens. The administration manager, John Wayne Kennedy, taught us how he manages the business inventory, sales, and employees. He took us to the market and together we guarded live chickens in the trunk covered by card board and mesh wire. While at “Eggs for Africa” I not only learned about the production and administrative aspects of their business, I also gathered eggs from the hen houses, cleaned them with a cloth, and put them in categories by sizes small, medium, large, and broken!
After spending a week at “Eggs for Africa," all the study abroad students combined notes and presented it to Andrew and Wilfred (a close friend of Andrew’s). Most of the suggestions we recommended to Andrew were for the well-being of the employees. We did not see gloves, eye protection, or boots being worn in all the facilities. Critical thinking workshops were also suggested since Andrew is already inviting people to talk to his employees about job integrity and transformational leadership.
Toward the end of the first week and into the second week we went to Chocas Beach located on the Indian Ocean. We stayed the night in beautiful bungalows. There were hammocks to lounge on while sipping coconut water straight out of the coconut. I did that the first morning while watching the sun rise since I was still experiencing jet lag. I often found it hard to sleep the entire night. We also went snorkeling in a lagoon.
When we got back to Nampula, we all decided to go to the orphanage. This particular orphanage guides the child until they are adults and even helps them find jobs once they reach a certain age or have completed a certain amount of schooling. Some students finish school in the 9th -10th grade and go on to teach. I believe this system can keep everyone from becoming completely illiterate.
I was also able to teach math and physics at a private English speaking school. All the students I taught were siblings so there was a lot of sibling rivalry going on, as you could imagine. After that, another student and I went to the hatchery with Professor Bramwell. He gave them tips on how to prevent egg mortality before and during time in the incubator.
Together, we all went to the museum and marketplace. We purchased sculptures, keepsakes, and souvenirs either by cash, trade, barter and/or haggling. They really appreciated our business there. During Bramwell’s stay with us, we all went to Mozambique Island. While there we all went to the Portuguese fort and saw where the slave trade and killing happened. We toured the water basin and the Catholic Church there too. On our way back to the Bamboo Hotel from Mozambique Island, the van we were traveling in broke down on the highway. It was in the middle of literally nowhere; luckily, another taxi driver came to our rescue.
I was able to get a shirt made for me out of traditional material and some of the other students got a shirt or a dress made. They were delivered to our hotel within two days. Before we left Mozambique, we had dinner with Andrew, his family, and many of the farm workers. It was the best dinner I had at their house. I truly enjoyed my studies in Mozambique and would definitely refer anyone willing to work hard and have fun to this location. The locals were extremely kind and interested in our visiting their country and want to see more of us there. I know I want to go back.
Iris Monye
