Nonprofit lifts vulnerable young women after Cyclone Freddy
The support package encompasses food supplies, non-food items, and cash transfers.
PHALOMBE, Malawi — In a heartfelt response to the devastating impact of Cyclone Freddy, the Foundation for Community and Capacity Development and its partner Women Rights Institute have extended a K32 million lifeline to vulnerable adolescent girls and young women in affected regions of Phalombe and Thyolo districts in Malawi, writes Jackson Mwakibinga.
The support package encompasses food supplies, non-food items, and cash transfers.
It aims to alleviate acute food insecurity and facilitate access to healthcare for young women.
FOCCAD and WORI embarked on distributing aid to over 100 households today in T/As including Chiwalo, Jenala and Tamani in Phalombe.
The regions bore the brunt of Cyclone Freddy's impact, leaving adolescent girls particularly vulnerable.
"The primary goal is to help them recover from the cyclone's effects and ensure continued access to local health services," said FOCCAD Executive Director Dan Nthara.
Phalombe Disaster Risk Management Representative Wilson Sakalani expressed appreciation for the "invaluable assistance" and said it would empower girls to bounce back.
Beneficiary Racheal Matemba from T/A Chiwalo said the donation of items like blankets, flour, oil and more "has brought a glimmer of hope" as they try to regain normalcy.
FOCCAD and its partner WORI plan to continue supporting vulnerable communities in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy.
"This initial distribution is just the beginning of our response efforts," said Nthara.
"In the coming weeks and months, we will work closely with local leaders to assess ongoing needs and channel further aid to those most affected."
Sakalani praised the organisations for their consistent support of relief activities in Phalombe. He said FOCCAD and WORI have demonstrated their commitment to helping residents recover and build resilience against future climate disasters.
Matemba echoed hopes that the assistance was just the first step.
"The road ahead is still long as we work to repair homes and livelihoods," she said.
"With continued support, our community can recover from this tragedy."
Nthara said addressing food insecurity remains a top priority, but FOCCAD also aims to provide training on disaster preparedness and response.
Empowering local leaders and residents will help strengthen their capacity to better cope with climate shocks.
FOCCAD and WORI rely on donations to fund their relief and development programs across Malawi.
Those wishing to contribute to recovery efforts in areas impacted by Cyclone Freddy can do so via the organisations' websites.