Jul 14, 2026 |
The people of Mecula District, under the leadership of the Niassa Lion Project, are building an innovative educational centre to welcome young students from the Niassa Reserve.
Known as Casa do Leão (Lion House), the facility currently under construction is the result of an entirely local effort, being built by the residents of this region in northern Mozambique themselves, under the technical guidance of master builders Faruk and Manuel.
The community project aims to create a permanent home for the Lion Scholars, the beneficiaries of a major scholarship programme, also implemented by the Niassa Lion Project, which has been running since 2013.
According to the Niassa Lion Project, this long-term initiative aims to ensure the continuity of academic education at secondary and higher education levels, whilst also ensuring that the local community engagement team has a suitable physical workspace.
The organization also adds that the construction is designed to address the significant logistical barriers that prevent young people from remote villages from continuing their studies. The realisation of this project, which is of enormous social and educational significance, is based on strong institutional and regional cooperation, with direct support from the Niassa Special Reserve (REN) and the authorities of the Mecula District.
An analysis of the detailed architectural design, conceived by Mozambican architect Romina Gaona, reveals a plan that prioritises sustainability, self-sufficiency and collective well-being.
The extensive floor plan of the complex, which KAMBAKU shares in the images below, highlights a strong focus on living conditions, including separate accommodation in male and female dormitories, a library designed to encourage study habits, an environmental interpretation area and a multi-purpose sports field.
To ensure the regular sustenance and day-to-day functioning of the entire student community, the model also incorporates essential elements of sustainable development and food sovereignty.
The site will feature a vegetable garden, chicken coops, an artisan bakery, a fully-functional laundry, spacious water reservoirs and a large central courtyard designed to bring people together and foster the sharing of knowledge.
Photos: Niassa Lion Project
