Charas

The willow was one of three planted in the garden in the 1970s by members of a local group called Charas.

NYT > Home Page By COLIN MOYNIHAN 2011

These electuaries are usually prepared with "Charas," or gum of hemp, collected by hand or by passing a blanket over the plant in early morning, and it is highly intoxicating.

Arabian nights. English Anonymous 1855

Mozambique, says Charas, has good laws on press freedom but by toeing an independent or "pro-people" line, @Verdade seems either not to be taken seriously or even discriminated against.

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Its founder and director, Erik Charas, says with a measure of satisfaction: "One thing I know is we won't be closing anytime soon."

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Besides people texting ideas and questions and then getting answers through the paper, Charas says @Verdade is looking at other mobile-based products: "The mobile phone is essential because penetration is high, but some things like how to meet the cost are not yet clear."

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Charas raised about 80% of the money and a few colleagues contributed 20% to set up the £500,000 operation, whose goal is to "feed the brain" of people who barely manage to "feed the stomach".

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

So far, the experiment seems to be working, as Charas can see this from the public's response, some sending information and comment to @Verdade by SMS or through Facebook from places that the paper is not even distributed.

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Charas believes the Mozambican people need ambition and a voice.

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Charas understands this and says @Verdade's long-term plans will include radio.

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011

Verdade was designed and set out to be a tool for development, says Charas.

Mozambique's free newspaper becomes a tool for social transformation | Richard M Kavuma 2011