In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to visit Mozambique as part of a HXP humanitarian trip. I traveled with a group of teenagers, and our mission was to help build a school. Now, you might wonder: how could a group of teenagers with no construction experience build a school in Africa?
This wasn’t a school in the sense we might imagine in the United States. It was a single classroom made of concrete, without windows or electricity—designed simply to provide shelter for students during the rainy season.
You see, in Mozambique, many students attend classes under trees, exposed to the elements. The school we worked at had no school lunches, no playground equipment, no drinking water, and it didn’t even have bathrooms for the students.
The economic challenges in Mozambique, as in much of sub-Saharan Africa, are immense. Years of government corruption and poor policy decisions have crippled the economy, making it difficult for people to rise out of poverty. The average wage for workers in Mozambique is less than $200 per month—and that’s for the fortunate ones who have jobs. The unemployment rate is staggering, with approximately one in three people unable to find work.
With my culture and up bringing I could not fathom the severe poverty surrounding daily life. I saw street vendors selling vegetables from their small gardens, struggling to make enough to survive another day. I witnessed children scavenging through garbage, searching for food or items they could sell for a few coins.
On our first Sunday at church in Mozambique, I met a young returned missionary named Berta. I don’t speak Portuguese, and she spoke good English, so I was fascinated to talk with her and learn about her and the simple aspects of daily life in Mozambique—how people survived and remained so happy with so little.
It turned out that she was one of the very fortunate ones, with a sponsor paying for her to study in the United States. I provided her with some aid to help her as she journeyed here to Utah.
Knowing I like helping Africans, she shared my WhatsApp information with a group of Mozambique Returned Missionaries, telling them I could help pay their BYU-Idaho Pathway tuition.
Before I knew it, I was talking on WhatsApp with dozens of Africans, providing them with computers or financial support to help them achieve their seemingly out-of-reach ambitions.
Most of these individuals are motivated and faithful, eager to work and support their families, but the economic conditions make it nearly impossible for them to find opportunities to even earn enough money to survive. What they seek is simple: a chance to earn a living and lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Education is a critical part of that equation, but for many young people, even the most affordable education is out of reach. Thanks to subsidies from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, some Africans can access online college courses through BYU-Idaho for just $3 per credit hour. However, for many, even that modest cost is prohibitive as they have no way to earn money. An even bigger challenge is gaining access to a computer and reliable internet.
Even with an education, finding jobs that offer adequate pay to lift a family out of poverty is challenging. They just want the chance to work, earn, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
I have been blessed financially and want to help these incredible people.
From my own funds, I have provided money to dozens of Africans in need. I have helped them pay their BYU-Idaho tuition. I have assisted some in buying computers so they can pursue their studies. But I am a busy business owner and father of five who coaches sports and has church callings. I didn’t have time to really vet those I’m helping or out properly. I don’t have time or ability to follow up with them and ensure that we are actually helping those in need. But I did know lots of ambitious Africans who do have time to run a business like this for me. And I do have experience starting businesses.
That’s how Opportunity 4 Africa was born. Designed as an online business to provide jobs for Africans, it aims to create opportunities that ripple outward. This “organization” and website is operated by Africans, featuring products and services crafted by Africans, with all proceeds directly supporting educational opportunities and providing resources and experiences to help them start and manage businesses. These initiatives empower individuals to sustain themselves and uplift their communities.
How can I help?
Here are three ways you can make a difference:
- Follow us on social media. Engage with us by commenting, liking, and interacting with our posts. Take the time to read the stories of these incredible individuals, understand their challenges, and share their journeys with others.
- Purchase our products. Every purchase you make on this website directly helps these Africans gain the education and skills they need to transform lives and provides more funds to our organization to make it hopefully one day be self sustaining.
- Make a donation. Even small contributions can have a significant impact. A ten dollar donation is likely more than most of these Africans can earn in a week. Your generosity goes a long way in creating meaningful change.
All funds directly support Africans in obtaining life’s basic necessities and advancing their education, empowering them to secure meaningful employment and provide for their families and help build the kingdom of God here on earth.
Thank you for supporting this cause and helping to create lasting change.
Alan Barker
Smithfield, Utah