(US)AID for staff

On February 11, 2025, a sudden, and ill-informed, executive order by the US administration forced the immediate closure of USAID operations worldwide, including in Mozambique. This has had a devastating impact not only on the populations of many developing countries living in extreme poverty, but also on the lives of hundreds of locally employed staff, who are now facing sudden unemployment.

In Mozambique, where the average person lives on just $29 a month, USAID diplomatic families provided vital, well-paying jobs. We were fortunate to have an incredible team: our dedicated nanny Isa -- who has cared for our daughter like her own child, our gardener Joaquim -- who cares for our dog Luna during our extended trips back to the USA, as well as both our driver and cook (Jose and Celinha), who became like family. They relied on their steady income to support their families and build a better future.

Now, with the abrupt closure, they face immense hardship and dire employment prospects. In Mozambique, USAID made up a significant portion of the embassy workforce, accounting for approximately 2/3rds of the staff at a post considered by the state department as "hard to fill"  (as the state department has no major interests in Mozambique whereas USAID considered this a critical post). 

As USAID families prepare for a forced recission, hundreds of staff members will be left without work and be forced into an already heavily competitive work environment -- many of whom will be left without work.  We are determined to provide them with a safety net during this uncertain time. Our goal is to raise 13 months of their salaries to help them (literally) survive the coming year.

Please help us support these wonderful individuals. Your generosity will make a world of difference. We need to reach our goal before we depart, as they rely on cash payments and do not have access to bank accounts. Every donation, no matter how small, will help them navigate this crisis. Thank you for your compassion and support.