Help create positive and sustainable change for marginalised communities
Using the power of collaboration and partnership between the communities of Bristol and the communities of Beira we can create positive outcomes for Beira and for Bristol.
Help create positive and sustainable change for marginalised communities
Using the power of collaboration and partnership between the communities Bristol and Beira we can create positive outcomes for Beira.
Bristol Link with Beira
In 1990, Bristol signed a Friendship Agreement with Beira to celebrate the end of Apartheid in neighbouring South Africa. Bristol Link with Beira (BLB) is a charity that promotes people-to-people networks between the cities of Bristol in the UK and Beira in Mozambique, to empower and benefit local communities and generate links and learning between the two cities. For over 30 years Bristol Link with Beira has been supporting the Municipality of Beira and its communities in partnership with local non-governmental and community-based organisations to develop in the context of the long-term effects of historical conflict and destabilisation. Natural disasters exacerbated by Climate Change add further challenges to Beira, whilst globally we address issues of Climate Justice.
Events
Our Sophisticated Weapon:
Posters of the Mozambican Revolution.
To commemorate 50 years of Mozambican Independence, and 35 years of Bristol Link with Beira, we present an exhibition of political posters produced during the early years of Mozambique’s independence, at Bristol Central Library from 12 May – 15 June.
“The sophisticated weapon is guaranteeing all citizens the right to study, culture, health, justice, progress… The sophisticated weapon is the people’s right to create their own history, by directing their own destiny… the sophisticated weapon is…the alternative of civilisation that our society now represents.” Samora Machel, President of Mozambique, August 1982
The eye-catching posters chart the aims of the post-independence nation, as they sought to establish a new society of unity and resilience in the wake of colonial rule. Campaigns included memorialisation of the heroes of the liberation struggle; declarations of solidarity with the socialist world and ongoing anti-colonial struggles; and directives for the future of culture, production and women in the new society.
Visit the exhibition website ‘Our Sophisticated Weapon: Posters of the Mozambican Revolution’ and have a listen to specially commissioned soundtrack by Mozambican musician TRKZ (Ailton Matavela).
The exhibition was curated by Polly Savage and Richard Gray, with support from SOAS, and facilitated by Bristol Link with Beira and the Bristol International Twinning Officer; and sponsored by Bristol Link with Beira, Bristol Libraries, Bristol Commonwealth Society, Bristol International Twinning Association and the Amiel and Melburn Trust.
Dance for Peace: Ode a Paz
Join us for a showing of the film “Dance for Peace” from 5 – 6.30 pm on 14 June 2025, to commemorate 50 years of Mozambican Independence and 35 years of Bristol Link with Beira. Free entry through Sparks Bristol, 78 Broadmead, BS1 3DS. Donations to Bristol Link with Beira on the night.
The film is based on the choreographed ‘Ode a Paz’ created by Mozambique’s National Dance Company. In the spirit of reconciliation and peace, the Dance Company celebrated the end of a violent seventeen-year civil war by taking their production ‘Ode to Peace’ on tour throughout Mozambique in 1994. As a tool of voter education in a country that had never had a general election, the Dance Company was determined to educate people about the need to vote within the fledgling democracy. In a country of over 18 indigenous spoken languages, the dancers use the language of dance. Dance for Peace follows the Dance Company as they travel and perform throughout Mozambique. Inter-cut with footage from the civil war leading to ceasefire and military demobilisation, Dance for Peace establishes that there is an integral connection between the flourishing of culture after war and the very necessary and innovative role that culture and arts can play in healing the anger and wounds of the past.
“Culture has no barriers. It can never be put out. It’s the only thing that survives.”
Produced by Zimmedia. Directed by Simon Bright. Presented by Bristol Link with Beira, Global Goals Centre and Afrika Eye
Our Programmes
Assisting Beira through educational programmes, events and development projects. This has included linking schools, professional volunteer placements, and civic exchanges for Bristol, as well as direct support to organisations in Beira, with various projects including renewable energy, disability, women, and HIV/AIDS.
Matacuane Primary School
Bristol Link with Beira have supported this school in Beira for over ten years, including repairs after Cyclone Idai.
Amai Mussanhane
Bristol Link with Beira have supported this community-based women’s organisation for many years, including repairs after Cyclone Idai.
Our Approach
Bristol Link with Beira identifies strategic partnerships for funding to supplement donations and enable local organisations to progress a people-to-people approach.
Our Vision
To promote networks in Beira and Bristol to identify links between ideas and opportunities that bring about sustainable change for Beira and Bristol.
Our Values
Our core values are partnerships, sustainability, equality, participation, empowerment and accountability.
Support us
to create positive outcomes
for Beira.
Assist us with fundraising, programmes and management.
Latest News
Get all the latest news for Bristol Link with Beira by following our Facebook, Instagram and/or LinkedIn pages. Our regular newsletters also provide a round-up of the posts – have a look and/or join the mailing list by clicking the link below.