In the wake of Cyclone Freddy, communities in T/A Mchinguza, Machinga District, faced severe flooding that disrupted lives and livelihoods across the region. The cyclone caused extensive damage to housing and agricultural activities, particularly impacting commercial rice farming along Lake Chilwa and Lake Chiuta. Many families, reliant on rice cultivation for their sustenance and income, found themselves unable to harvest sufficient crops, pushing them into financial distress.

Responding swiftly to this crisis, Find Your Feet (FYF) stepped in to support the affected families. Recently, FYF distributed cash assistance to 2,500 households in T/A Mchinguza, providing each family with a one-time payment of MWK25,000. This crucial aid arrives at a pivotal moment, offering much-needed relief to those struggling to recover from the devastating effects of Cyclone Freddy.

“We were devastated by the cyclone. Our homes were damaged, and our rice fields were flooded. The cash assistance from FYF has been a lifeline for us,” shared one beneficiary, reflecting the profound impact of the support on their daily lives.

The financial assistance aims to help families rebuild their homes, restore their farming activities, and stabilize their livelihoods. By providing direct cash transfers, FYF ensures that the aid is flexible and can be used to address the most pressing needs of each household, whether it’s repairing infrastructure, purchasing seeds, or buying other essential goods.

This initiative is part of FYF’s broader economic empowerment project, “Strengthening the Resilience of Poorest Families in Malawi through Savings and Loans Groups,” funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation in collaboration with CARE International Malawi. The project targets 6,700 households in Balaka and Ntcheu districts, focusing on empowering low-income rural families by establishing savings and loan groups that foster financial resilience and independence.

“Find Your Feet is dedicated to helping communities not only recover from disasters but also build resilience against future challenges. Our partnership with the Coca-Cola Foundation and CARE International Malawi has been instrumental in reaching and supporting those in dire need,” stated Melina Mtonga, Executive Director of Find Your Feet.

The support provided by FYF goes beyond immediate relief, contributing to the long-term stability and growth of the communities. By empowering families with financial resources, FYF helps them regain their independence and work towards a sustainable future, despite the adversities posed by natural disasters like Cyclone Freddy.

As the affected families in Machinga District begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives, the assistance from Find Your Feet stands as a testament to the power of compassion and collaborative humanitarian efforts. This initiative not only alleviates immediate suffering but also paves the way for enduring resilience and prosperity in the face of environmental challenges.

Acknowledgments:

• Funding Partners: Coca-Cola Foundation
• Collaborating Organizations: CARE International Malawi