Registered Canadian charity · Mozambique partner since 1991

Every child deserves the chance to learn.

For 35 years, ASEM has kept schools open, meals on tables, and futures alive for thousands of vulnerable children across Mozambique. ASEM Canada is how Canadians help.

Donate now See our work
A student in an ASEM school uniform smiles while reading a book in class.

Who we are

A Canadian bridge to a Mozambican mission.

ASEM Mozambique was founded in 1991 by Barbara Hofmann in Beira, following the civil war that left thousands of children orphaned. Today it educates and protects roughly 4,500 children across schools, cultural centres, and family reintegration programs.

ASEM Canada was created in 2005 to give Canadians a direct, tax-receiptable way to fund that work. Every dollar we raise is disbursed to ASEM Mozambique under formal agency agreements that meet CRA direction-and-control standards.

A large gathering of ASEM students at a community event.

What we support

Three pillars, one goal: a childhood.

Schools

Primary and secondary education across Beira, Vilankulo, and Gorongosa. Uniforms, materials, meals, and teachers, the everyday scaffolding of a real school year.

Communities

Cultural centres, adult literacy, vocational training, and agriculture programs that help families and neighbourhoods stand on their own.

Family reintegration

Where possible, children return to extended family with ongoing support. When it isn't possible, ASEM houses them in small residential centres near their communities.

Where we work

Three regions across Mozambique.

Exterior of Escola Jorge Jose Traquino, an ASEM school in Beira.

Beira

Sofala Province · Since 1991

ASEM's founding city on the Indian Ocean coast. Two schools, Manga (~2,600 students) and Macurungo (~1,500 students), plus family reintegration programs.

Interior of an ASEM classroom.

Vilankulo

Inhambane Province

The Majianza cultural centre and Kukua Kustawi school, Swahili for "growing" and "thriving", serving coastal families and expanding vocational training.

School grounds with flagpole and water tank.

Gorongosa

Sofala Province

A community centre in the shadow of Gorongosa National Park, supporting one of the country's most rural populations.

An ASEM student.
An ASEM student.
An ASEM student smiling.
An ASEM student.
An ASEM student.
An ASEM student.
~4,500
Students in ASEM schools
6,000+
Direct beneficiaries
35
Years serving Mozambique
20
Years as the Canadian channel

Canadian donations are disbursed to ASEM Mozambique under formal agency agreements that meet CRA direction-and-control standards.

A newly renovated corridor at Escola Jorge Jose Traquino in Manga, Beira.

Latest · June 2026

The Manga school, rebuilt.

Cyclone Filipo hit Beira in April 2024. The Manga school, Escola Jorge Jose Traquino, home to roughly 2,600 students, took serious damage. Over two years, staff and community rebuilt it: renovated corridors, refreshed classrooms, water infrastructure, a new roof.

This is what your donations do. They keep a school standing when a storm knocks it down. They keep 2,600 children in class the following Monday.

Support the next rebuild
Barbara Hofmann holding a young child outside an ASEM facility in Mozambique.

The founder of ASEM Mozambique

Barbara Hofmann's life work.

Barbara moved from Switzerland to Mozambique in 1988, in the middle of the civil war. She never left. What began as informal shelter for a few orphaned children became ASEM, today a network of schools, centres, and programs serving thousands.

She was named an honorary citizen of Mozambique and given TIME Magazine's Heroes of Our Time recognition. ASEM Canada exists because of her example, and because Canadians want a way to be part of that work.

Gary Stuart, founder and chair of ASEM Canada.

ASEM Canada's chair

How ASEM Canada started.

Gary Stuart founded ASEM Canada in 2005 and chairs its board from Vancouver. He met Barbara in the early 2000s and incorporated the charity so Canadians could support ASEM Mozambique's work with vulnerable children.

ASEM Canada funds schooling, meals, and family support programs across Beira, Vilankulo, and Gorongosa, delivered on the ground by ASEM Mozambique's 100+ teachers and staff under Barbara Hofmann's leadership. Donations are disbursed under formal agency agreements that meet CRA direction-and-control standards.

Ways to give

Three ways to make a lasting difference.

Every donation goes to ASEM Mozambique through our agency agreement. You receive an official Canadian tax receipt for the full amount.

Give once

Any amount, any time. Best if you're just getting to know us or want to mark a moment.

Donate now
Most impact

Give monthly

Steady support lets ASEM plan a school year. Even $20/month keeps a child in class with meals, uniform, and materials.

Start monthly giving

Leave a legacy

A gift in your will lets your care for children continue beyond your lifetime. We can help you plan a bequest. No minimum.

Talk to us

Canadian donors: All donations processed through CanadaHelps. Canadian tax receipt issued automatically.

US donors: Tax-deductible US giving is available through a fiscal sponsor. Email info@asemcanada.org and we'll send you the current link.

Get in touch

Questions, partnerships, or news to share?

Email info@asemcanada.org and we'll get back to you personally. There's no help desk, it's us.