The 21st anniversary of the twinning between Bristol and Beira in Mozambique is marked by Sun, Sea and Solidarity, a book by local journalist Susie Weldon which highlights the struggles and successes of the only official link between UK and Mozambican cities.
The book, which explores the impact of the link through interviews with those at the heart of the project, was launched on Friday by Senora Ilda Raivoso from the Mozambican High Commission in London.
Other guests included Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Main, Peninah Achieng, chairperson of the Bristol Link with Beira, and Sauda Kylambuka, chairman of the Bristol African Voices Forum
Former Western Daily Press journalist Ms Weldon traces the backdrop to the twinning when, after the Portuguese fled Mozambique, South Africa, then in the grip of Apartheid, funded a catastrophic war to destabilise the progressive government, blowing up clinics and schools and forcing children to fight.
Into this situation stepped a group from Bristol determined to support the good example that Mozambique was trying to offer its people. Sun, Sea and Solidarity shows how, through many ups and downs, the link has since flourished with many highlights including long-standing school partnerships, Fairtrade education projects, the building of a wheelchair production workshop and an HIV/Aids awareness programme based on football.
Bristol International Twinnings Association co-ordinator Alix Hughes said: “This book really gets to the heart of the relationship between these two great cities. It shows what amazing things can be achieved when ordinary local people refuse to accept injustice and the belief that you can’t change anything, and instead base their long-term commitment on solidarity and social justice.”
In a message to the launch event British High Commissioner to Mozambique HE Shaun Cleary said: “International relations is about making a positive difference to people’s lives. The people of Bristol reached out to the people of Beira at one of the lowest points in Mozambique’s history, and they have been travelling a remarkable journey together ever since.
I know from my travels around the country and discussions with provincial and municipal leaders that town twinning is greatly valued. Bristol’s link with Beira is unique, and has brought real benefits and insights to all those involved. The enthusiasm and commitment of people involved in such activities as school links and Coaching for Hope is both humbling and inspiring. I hope that publication of Sun, Sea and Solidarity will act not just as a record of the history and achievements of these 21 years of cooperation, but also inspire others to build on and emulate this partnership.”
The book is published by Bristol independent publisher by Tangent Books (www.tangentbooks.co.uk).
