Chinese-Malawian Partnership Delivers Vital Relief to Cyclone Freddy Survivors
MULANJE, Malawi — In a heartwarming display of international solidarity, the Umunthu Foundation of Malawi, in collaboration with the Great Love Foundation of China, extended a lifeline to 20 survivors of Cyclone Freddy, writes Brenda Pensulo.
On Saturday, September 9th, they distributed much-needed relief items to residents of Group Village Head Maliyera, Traditional Authority Njema, in the Mulanje district.
The distribution event took place at the Muloza Magistrate Court grounds in the district, providing not only essential supplies but also a sense of hope and recovery for the survivors.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the timely assistance, which has alleviated their suffering since the cyclone devastated their lives, leaving them without food and shelter.
Bester Menadi, one of the beneficiaries, emotionally stated, "They should not think that what they have done has no impact, this will really make a difference. In two or three days, we will talk of something new."
Menadi appealed to other organisations and well-wishers to follow Umunthu's example and provide support.
He also urged fellow recipients to use the assistance wisely.
Tembo Chibonga, a representative of Group Village Head Maliyera, acknowledged the devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy on the community.
He expressed his heartfelt thanks to Umunthu for their kindness and love, emphasising that the assistance had gone to those who truly needed it.
Chief Maliyera also highlighted the negative effects of Cyclone Freddy on the mental well-being of the affected individuals.
He celebrated the donation, saying, "All I can say is thank you, Umunthu, for the donation. We are so thankful for that."
Traditional Authority Njema, whose area was greatly affected by the cyclone, expressed deep gratitude for the support but emphasised the ongoing need for assistance to help the affected residents regain normalcy.
He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the aid wisely for the betterment of their lives and their families.
In response, David Odali, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the Umunthu Foundation, expressed his satisfaction at reaching out to the stranded survivors.
He highlighted the foundation's plans to continue assisting other affected areas, recognising the urgent need for food security in the wake of the cyclone's devastation.
"With the coming in of the assistance by Umunthu, I am so glad because, to be honest, people here at T/A Njema did not harvest. So this means we are going to suffer so much if well-wishers do not come and support us. That's why we appreciate Umunthu for the assistance," said Traditional Authority Njema.
The relief packages distributed included 1kg of sugar packets, 250 ml of cooking oil, 5 kg of maize meal, 2 packets of soya pieces, 500g of salt, and 2 kg of rice.
These essential supplies were generously sponsored by the Great Love Foundation of the People's Republic of China.
The Umunthu Foundation, an independent organisation established in 2006, has been dedicated to advocating for the end of early marriages and pregnancies, providing access to sexual reproductive health assistance, and promoting the return to school for school leavers in Malawi.
Their latest initiative reflects their commitment to improving the lives of those affected by Cyclone Freddy and other crises.
The collaboration between the Umunthu Foundation and the Great Love Foundation exemplifies the power of international partnerships in addressing pressing humanitarian needs, offering hope and relief to those who need it most.