In mid-March, Cyclone Idai hit South Eastern Africa. What initially looked like a bad storm has turned into disaster for tens of thousands of people, affecting Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. As a result of the cyclone, many of the communities in Mozambique and Zimbabwe are facing a total loss of their harvest. This will have a devastating impact in the year to come, as many will face a twelve-month-long hunger season.
Recently in the Honde Valley in Zimbabwe, the local Hands at Work team came together with the Care Workers, Primary Care Givers, the community headman and an agricultural specialist, to discuss the possibility of planting a community garden. They worked together to decide how to use this land, with the hope of securing a sufficient harvest in the coming months. The plans include the planting of 2,000 cabbages and rape seedlings (a green leafy plant). Additionally, to beans will be planted in July. All of this is made possible because of the generosity of Jane, the coordinator of the local Hands at Work team in the Honde Valley, who sacrificially donated her land for this season of planting and harvesting.
This past week, the community came together to begin clearing the land so that it will be ready for planting. Together, they are making a difference, despite the challenges around them. The unity amongst the Care Workers and Primary Care Givers, is bringing new hope and purpose to their lives. Together, they will take responsibility for the crops with the goal that each person contributing to the labour will be able to take a portion of the harvest home for their family. It is exciting to see the way that the community has come together to rebuild for a more hopeful future.
Provision of Daily Breakfast
The loss of crops increased the vulnerability of children being served by local volunteer Care Workers in Mozambique. In response, breakfast has been added to the daily food provided at the four Community Based Organisations operating in Mozambique – in Macadeira, Chigodole and Matsinho A and B. This daily food provision is crucial for the health and wellbeing of the children who have no other sources of nourishment.
Praying for the Health and Safety of Our Children and their Families
The risk of disease such as cholera, typhoid and malaria increases because of large pools of stagnant water left behind after the cyclone. Ask God to protect the most vulnerable children, their families and the Care Workers from water-borne disease and sickness so they remain in good health.