Sérgio Carlitos is a 16-year-old boy from Mogovolas District, in Nampula Province, who dropped out of school while in Grade 3 to seek better opportunities in the city of Nampula, where he worked with his brother at an electrical supplies stall.
What initially seemed like an opportunity to achieve some financial independence turned into a frustrating experience. Lacking sufficient mathematical skills, Sérgio struggled to perform calculations, determine product prices and give customers the correct change. These difficulties affected his ability to carry out his duties and eventually led to his dismissal.
Discouraged by this experience, he returned to his parents’ home in Mogovolas. However, rather than seeing his return as the end of his aspirations, he decided to give education another chance. It was then that he learned about an Accelerated Learning Class established under the EmpowerED project, implemented in partnership with Save the Children. The project supports out-of-school children and adolescents to recover lost learning and prepare to return to formal education.
His decision to resume studying has begun to pay off. After one year in the programme, Sérgio has distinguished himself through his performance, making significant progress in reading, writing, reading comprehension and mathematics. Today, he can solve mathematical problems that once posed a major obstacle, communicates more confidently in Portuguese and feels better prepared to face everyday challenges.
He now believes he can return to working in commerce, an activity he was previously unable to pursue successfully due to a lack of basic skills. He has also renewed his dream of owning his own business. His next major goal is to enrol in Grade 5 of the formal education system in the next school year and continue his educational journey.
“When I went to Nampula, I wanted to work and help, but I did not know how to do the calculations needed to sell products. I was not good at mathematics, and because of that, I could not continue working in the business. I eventually returned to my home village to start my life again.
“Today, after one year in the Accelerated Learning Programme, I feel like a different person. I have learned a lot, and I can now do calculations, read and write. I am now ready to face that challenge again. I can sell products, even those with high prices, because I know how to calculate and give customers the correct change. My dream is to continue studying, own my own business and build a better future.”