Alberto Dimande Chipande, a Mozambican student, achieved an unprecedented milestone by being crowned Mr. Curro in the prestigious annual competition organized by Curro schools in South Africa.
This is the first time a foreign student has received this title, which recognizes not only academic performance but also human values, leadership, and the ability to represent the institution's ideals.
Created in 2018 to mark the educational group's first decade, the Mr. & Ms. Curro competition selects, from thousands of students, those who best combine academic excellence, participation in extracurricular activities, and an inspiring leadership profile.
For a month, candidates are evaluated on multiple criteria: confidence, communication skills, friendliness, respect, and involvement in school dynamics. In the end, only two students—a boy and a girl—take on the role of ambassadors for the Curro network.
Chipande excelled at every stage, winning over the jury with his balance between academic performance and inspiring attitude. His advice to teenagers is to be themselves and never aspire to be someone else, as God has endowed each of us with unique tools. "Just use them to bring out the best in us. Long live Mozambique, long live Africa," he declared.
A native of Mozambique, Chipande reported that the first months of studying in South Africa were challenging, especially due to the distance from his family. However, he found in dedication to his studies and building a positive school environment the motivation he needed to overcome the difficulties.
"The best way to bridge the gap was to immerse himself in the learning process and invest in good relationships within the school environment," he stated.
Founded in 2008, the Curro group currently brings together dozens of educational institutions throughout South Africa, with an educational approach focused on innovation and the comprehensive development of students. Over the years, the Mr. & Ms. Curro competition has become a symbol of the institution's philosophy, celebrating young people who embody values of citizenship, cultural diversity, and excellence.
With this victory, Alberto Chipande writes his name into the history of the Curro network, taking the Mozambican flag to new heights, becoming an example of resilience, talent, and inspiration for thousands of African teenagers.
(By Rafael Langa)
