Bakery & Ice-Block Factory Solar-Powered Shop

Group: UniMaputo Secular Students

Members:

Boys:

Nelito Mahumane –  +258 84 123 4567  nelito.mahumane@gmail.com

Amosse Chikondi – +258 82 987 6543   amosse543@gmail.com

Tome Mucavele – +258 86 345 6789   tome789@gmail.com

Fanelo Maputo –  +258 87 234 5678  fanelo678@gmail.com

Chico Nhamitambo – +258 83 765 4321 chico321@gmail.com

Daviz Maluleque – +258 85 456 7890  daviz090@gmail.com

Girls':

Alcina Matavele – +258 84 678 9012  alcina012@gmail.com

Julina Nweti – +258 82 210 3948  julinanweti@gmail.com

Lídia Chongo – +258 87 332 2281 lidia281@gmail.com

Assiate Mucambe – +258 86 948 3765 assiate765@gmail.com

Nelia Xitlale – +258 83 100 2549  nelia549@gmail.com

Group Email:  julinanweti@gmail.com

Group Phone:   +258 82 210 3948

Why did your group become humanist and what does humanism mean to your group?

As the UniMaputo Secular Student Group, we are united by a shared journey from religious backgrounds Christianity and Islam to a worldview grounded in reason, compassion, and a commitment to human dignity. While our paths to atheism have been personal and diverse, we now stand together in embracing humanism as a positive philosophy that emphasizes ethical living without reliance on the supernatural.

We are humanists because we believe in the value and potential of all human beings, regardless of faith, gender, orientation, or background. Our experiences as ex-Muslims and ex-Christians have taught us the importance of critical thinking, freedom of conscience, and the right to question inherited beliefs. Through humanism, we affirm our responsibility to contribute to a more just, inclusive, and rational society starting within our university and radiating outward into our communities.

We are committed to building a space where reason, empathy, and shared humanity guide our actions. We believe education, dialogue, and mutual respect are essential to social progress. As young humanists in Mozambique, we seek to promote secular values, support each other through deconversion journeys, and advocate for the rights of nonbelievers and believers alike to live freely and authentically.

This is why we are humanists not just in belief, but in action.

Project Description

Our grant appeal is for  a solar-powered confectionery and ice block shop to support the UniMaputo Secular Student Group, a vibrant and growing community of young humanists dedicated to promoting reason, compassion, and secular values on campus. The initiative is designed as a sustainability-driven income-generating project that will empower the group to become more self-reliant while also creating opportunities for leadership, entrepreneurship, and practical learning.

At the heart of the project is the goal of long-term sustainability. Many student clubs, particularly those grounded in secular and humanist values, face recurring financial challenges that limit their activities, outreach, and community engagement. This project will address that issue by setting up a small but efficient shop that sells locally popular confectioneries such as sweets, biscuits, and snacks as well as ice blocks, which are in high demand due to Mozambique’s hot climate. Powered entirely by solar energy, the shop will operate in an eco-friendly, cost-effective manner, reducing dependence on unreliable grid electricity and minimizing operating costs.

The shop will be managed by the members of the UniMaputo Secular Student Group, providing them with real-world experience in business management, teamwork, and ethical entrepreneurship. Profits generated will be reinvested into the club’s humanist programs, educational outreach, event organization, and support for disadvantaged students.

In addition to its economic benefits, the project will serve as a practical demonstration of sustainable living, blending the values of environmental consciousness with humanist principles. It will also foster a culture of initiative and self-determination among young secular students, giving them the tools they need to not only advocate for their beliefs but to thrive independently.

We are seeking grant support to cover the startup costs, including the purchase and installation of a small solar system, a deep freezer, a kiosk structure, initial inventory, and branding materials. With this support, we aim to build a model of sustainability that other humanist student groups across Africa can replicate.

By funding this project, you will be investing in a bold, youth-led vision that unites practical empowerment with the spirit of humanism creating lasting impact both on campus and in the broader community.

Total Budget: $800

Small deep freezer – $180

Solar panel (100W) – $100

Solar charge controller – $35

12V deep-cycle battery – $90

Inverter (300W) – $40

Wiring and electrical accessories – $20

Wooden kiosk structure (locally built) – $100

Paint and signage for branding – $25

Startup stock: sweets and confectionery – $40

Startup stock: bottled water and soft drinks – $20

Ice block packaging bags – $10

Storage containers (airtight for confectionery) – $10

Plastic table and chair – $15

Measuring jug and small scoop set – $5

Lock and security items – $10

Notebook and record-keeping materials – $5

Hygiene supplies (hand sanitizer, cleaning items) – $10

Aprons and gloves (2 sets) – $10

Transportation (materials delivery) – $30

Contingency (unexpected expenses) – $45

Total: $800

Expected Income from Project, with Timeline

The solar-powered confectionery and ice block shop is expected to begin operations within four weeks of receiving funding. Setup and procurement will take the first two weeks, followed by installation, branding, and staff training in week three. Operations will officially launch in week four. The shop is projected to generate approximately $10–$15 per day in profit from confectionery and ice block sales, translating to $300–$450 per month. Within three months, the business is expected to recover initial stock costs and begin building a sustainable reserve. By the sixth month, income should be sufficient to support club activities, student aid, and reinvestment into the business. The project will be reviewed quarterly to assess progress and explore scaling opportunities. All profits will be transparently recorded and reinvested in alignment with the club’s humanist mission.  

Benefits to Community

The solar-powered confectionery and ice block shop offers several important benefits for the UniMaputo student community and the broader local environment:

Student Empowerment: It provides members of the UniMaputo Secular Student Group with real-life entrepreneurial experience, leadership development, and financial management skills.

Financial Sustainability: The shop will generate income to support ongoing humanist programs, outreach events, and student welfare initiatives without relying solely on external donations.

Affordable Refreshments: It offers students and staff low-cost access to snacks, drinks, and ice blocks, especially helpful during hot weather and for those with limited resources.

Environmental Impact: By using solar power, the shop reduces reliance on fossil fuels and demonstrates a practical, sustainable model of clean energy in action.

Job Creation: The project creates part-time employment and volunteer opportunities for students, fostering responsibility and teamwork.

Visibility for Humanism: A branded, student-run enterprise provides positive visibility to the secular and humanist movement, promoting its values through action and service.

Replicable Model: The project can serve as a blueprint for other student groups across Mozambique and Africa, encouraging more youth-led, values-based business initiatives.

Community Engagement: As the shop grows, it can host mini-events, outreach days, and education drives, drawing more students into the conversation around ethics, critical thinking, and sustainability.