Years: 1995-1997 (Project run through Boston University)

Funder: USAID through State University of New York (SUNY).

Project: Parliamentary Modernization: This project, twice renewed, provided technical assistance and training to the National Assembly of Mozambique, and developed professional bill drafting, budget analysis, and public information and constituent relation services within the Assembly. Its accomplishments included the following: Developed professional, nonpartisan research services in the National Assembly, conducted expert studies, conducted public hearings, and developed and distributed information about the Assembly's work. Technical Cabinet developed and officially incorporated into structure of National Assembly (bill drafting, research, and analysis). Public hearings on legislation, nationwide public hearings and national debate on proposed new constitution, national anthem, economic corridor development and other issues. Public Information Services: production of a monthly bulletin, daily session agenda and minutes, and additional materials on the Assembly's activities, and interaction with the media.

Participants and learning in BU Program’s aspect of SUNY project: 2 two-week workshops were conducted for a total of 66 legislators, ministers, government officials and staff

Larger social context: During this time period, Mozambique had a newly elected government dealing with the aftermath of civil war. Parliament and workshops comprised of members of both sides of the struggle.

Bills drafted: Disability Services, Anti-Corruption, Informal Economic Sector, Environment and Public Health in Development, Legislative Procedures, Land Reform, Informal Sector Regulations

Current Status:

        Workshop Training led in country by former participants: The f ormer deputy dean of Mondelane University Law School, Theodosio Uate (who attended the Boston University Residence Program and is completing PhD in Law and Political Science at Boston University) has been teaching workshops for legislators while completing his PhD research on use of law for development.

High-level government training: MPs learned to debate bills on basis of facts and logic. For first time, MPs began to introduce bills.