On Saturday, August 19, the University Foundation for the Development of Education (FUNDE) held the eighth edition of the Legal Fair in Matola-Rio Sede, Maputo province, where citizens had the opportunity to obtain identity cards (ID), a Unique Tax Identification Number (NUIT), passports, as well as legal and psychological assistance.

There was also an exhibition of children's books and a craft and food fair.

This is an event organized regularly by FUNDE, in partnership with the Institute of Sponsorship and Legal Assistance (IPAJ), the National Migration Service, the Mozambican Tax Authority, the National Directorate of Registries and Notaries, among others, with the aim of supporting needy citizens in the processing of documents, and legal and psychological advice.

As FUNDE's executive director, Rosânia da Silva, explained, through this initiative the institution aims to get closer to communities, promote social inclusion and support people in various areas.

"At this event, citizens have the opportunity to regularize the status of their documents, which they generally haven't had time to deal with in their day-to-day lives for various reasons. They can also contact our Legal Assistance Office so that they can benefit from the assistance of a lawyer in specific cases. We also have a Psychological Assistance Office, which people can approach, expose their problem and benefit from our support," said Rosânia da Silva.

On the occasion, FUNDE's executive director said that, through social inclusion, "we believe we can solve various problems, such as the discrepancies and differences that exist in access to employment opportunities, with women and young people being the most affected. That's why we have items on display here made by beneficiaries of the Multidisciplinary Educational Center, who took part in the dressmaking course."

For his part, Estêvão Bonde, a community leader from Matola-Rio Sede, praised the initiative, hoping that it will reach more communities in the province and the country, as he believes that this is the only way to benefit more citizens.

"It's a commendable event because it benefits our communities. We thank FUNDE for the initiative and we hope it continues because many people have not been able to get to the institutions during the middle of the week to process these and other documents. May this initiative reach more communities," he said.

Vladimiro Chichava lives in Matola-Rio Sede and had the opportunity to have his ID processed at the Legal Fair. He pointed to the concentration of various services on site as an added value of the initiative.

"They manage to add more value to the event, because there are so many documents that we can deal with in one go. Thanks to this event, people don't have to travel far. It's always good when we can deal with documents on a day like today, without the usual midweek rush. Thank you for this initiative, may it reach more places where people need it," he said.

Vânia Ibraimo, who also lives in Matola-Rio Sede, was able to process various documents for her family, something that was unimaginable for her. "For example, my daughter was waiting for her ID card to be processed. Last vacation I tried at the administrative office, but I couldn't get through. Today was practical. It's Saturday, we have time and we were able to get our IDs and visit the fair. The exhibitors also have the opportunity to sell their products. It's an excellent initiative. Congratulations!