From May 29 to 31, Talitha Kum Mozambique (TAKUMO) met in Nacala for a National Formation Meeting. Twenty-five religious sisters, priests, and committed lay collaborators came together with a shared objective to revitalize the TAKUMO network and strengthen the fight against trafficking across the country.

Sr. Popina Mohlala, Talitha Kum South Africa Coordinator, facilitated a comprehensive capacity-building training for the participants over the course of three days. The sessions focused on the identity and spirituality of Talitha Kum, the realities of trafficking, as well as human rights legislations, child protection, care for survivors and prevention mechanisms. 

The training was enriched by the contribution of guest speakers and the testimonies of trafficking survivors. The gathering also served as an opportunity to exchange with one another, allowing participants to share concrete experiences and identify specific challenges faced in their respective regions. The conversations informed strategies for grassroot action, and reinforced the individual role of each member in the growth of the network.

Sr. Popina commented: “The Mozambican context added urgency — the intersection of migration, cyclones, and trafficking meant that TAKUMO should be ready to respond to crises. Yet, I saw resilience in the participants’ faces, I saw women and men Religious who refuse to let despair have the last word. It was clear to me that the word “Arise” was not a once off command for TAKUMO, but rather a determination to rise to the task, every single day.”

Fr. José Joaquim Luís Pedro, MCCJ, President of the Conference of Religious Institutes of Mozambique (CIRMO), described TAKUMO as a “prophetic sign” of consecrated life in Mozambique. He urged participants to bring light into their dioceses and to speak up for those who are suffering injustice.

At the close of the meeting, the group approved a joint action plan and new operational strategies, focusing on prevention and community awareness. TAKUMO coordinator Sr. Maria Pilar de la Puerta, FI, applauded the network’s strong commitment to deepen its work across the country. TAKUMO concluded this gathering with a clear identity, well informed, deeply rooted in compassion, and committed to act.