The former President of the Republic of Mozambique, Joaquim Chissano, was present at the Óbidos City Council last Sunday. The visit aimed to introduce the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, foster dialogue and learning, and attend the presentation of the Fernando Leite Couto Award to Mozambican writer Crimildo A. Matola for his book “O último segredo da nação”.
At 86 years old, Chissano emphasized the significance of culture, understood not just as visual arts, but as the “living of men” and everything that happens in society. “Culture is fundamental,” he stated, highlighting that cultural knowledge is only achieved through interaction. The Mozambican delegation is in Portugal to learn and hopes new projects will emerge from the dialogue with the Mayor of Óbidos, Filipe Daniel.
Joaquim Chissano also addressed the use of technology, advocating for its application towards harmony, peace, and progress, contrasting it with its use in warfare. “We need millions of data points to teach children and give them knowledge more quickly,” he explained.
Filipe Daniel, Mayor of Óbidos, recognized Chissano as “a major figure in Mozambique's history and a reference voice in the commitment to peace, dialogue, and reconciliation.” He emphasized that the former president's presence honors Mozambican culture and the path of cooperation between peoples, united by the Portuguese language and shared history.
The Municipality of Óbidos has partnered with the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation since 2017, focusing on promoting Mozambican literature and supporting new authors. The FÓLIO festival includes a Mozambique Day next Saturday, featuring the presentation of four books by local authors: Daniel David, Rui Motty, Otildo Justino Guido, and Stewart Sukuma.
Crimildo Matola expressed his hope that the award will serve as an encouragement to continue writing with freedom. Rui Moreira de Carvalho, President of the Portugal Mozambique Chamber of Commerce, challenged the author to “think bigger” and mentioned the possibility of a film about the trip to Portugal.
“"Your presence also recognizes that a small community can participate in relevant and lasting international dialogue."
“"We want each encounter to lead to other encounters and for each opportunity to read to awaken the desire to know more."
“"We are going to make a film of the trip to Portugal and it will be an example of how it can be done and done well."
