Disaster Response Zimbabwe Project #39463

Disaster Relief for Zimbabwe after Cyclone Idai

Project Report | Sep 3, 2020
Time Passes...People's Lives Still Affected

By Tilda Christensson | Head of Project Development in Africa

Dear Supporters,

How easy is it today to forget an old emergency, an old crisis, or an old disaster? Today, as we are facing climate change, the number of disasters that are happening around us, and being reported to us is overwhelming and scary. As the news informs us of fires, floods, cyclones and melting glaciers it is not strange that we cannot keep up with the latest events. And it further normalises natural disasters as it is no longer unique, or something “we haven’t heard or managed before”. But what about the people who live through the disasters? For them, life is not normal, and never will it ever return to normal. That is why we cannot forget, that is why we must continue to be generous and supporting as a disaster is not simply something that is reported on the news, but something that is changing lives on the ground.

It is now close to 18 months since Cyclone Idai swept over north-eastern Zimbabwe and caused mass flooding and despair. Left children as orphans and kept them out of school for months to come. It was a traumatising experience for the communities and many were living in a nightmare not knowing where their next meal would come from. As a result, people around the world, organisations big and small reached out to do what they could to make a difference and help where necessary. This emergency response is necessary and would not be possible without you, our generous donors and supporters. Without you, people would not be able to make it through their nightmare.

Now, 18 months later the nightmare may be over. The desperate calls for help may not be as loud as they are being overpowered by other emergencies. This is not saying that one disaster is more important or horrific than another. This is not saying that emergency response is essential. It is however teaching us that unless we change the way we live our lives, change the way we look after the planet where we live, natural disasters will continue to happen. It will continue to happen in Zimbabwe and all around the world. As long as the disasters continue, so will the need for emergency response. So lets start taking climate change seriously, lets invest in green energy, lets reduce our consumption of water, fast fashion and meat. Let's be kind to mother earth.

We want to take this opportunity and thank all of our donors, fundraisers and supporters for all everything you have done for those affected by Cyclone Idai. As Zimbabwe is facing a multitude of crises, we continue to support the affected communities with a holistic approach and encourage a green future to reduce the risk of future natural disasters. None of this would and is possible without you, our supporters.

Thank you!

With Gratitude,

Cyclone Idai

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May 7, 2020
Rebuilding Communities

By Tilda Christensson | Head of Project Development In Africa

Dear Supporters,

It has been over one year since Cyclone Idai hit Zimbabwe, a milestone which is easy to forget as we are now tackling another emergency, covid-19. Nevertheless, this is the time to show resilience and ensure that even though a paus is necessary to contain the virus, the endless efforts which have gone into rebuilding the community is not wasted

Prior to the pandemic reaching Zimbabwe, we were working endlessly with our efforts to rebuild the communities affected by Cyclone Idai, in particular Chimanimani where our community park is about to get built.

In January 2019 a partnership was developed between our project partners, Chimanimani Rural District Council and the Ngangu Township Councilor. Together we made preliminary site visits to two possible areas of where our community park could be built in the Ngangu Township. Both areas were surveyed and found satisfactory in terms of location (nearness to the community), general relief (angle of slope, drainage and soil composition) and accessibility (by road and by foot).

We also managed to rally support from the locals, particularly in the Chimanimani East Town Centre as well as in the Ngangu Township. Awareness efforts included door-to-door, visits to local residents and flyer distribution at shops and to passers-by. Young people of various ages in particular were excited about the project and were even more drawn to us when we showed some of the activities which were going to happen in the space, including skateboarding activities.

We want to take this opportunity and thank all of our donors, fundraisers and supporters for all everything you have done for those affected by Cyclone Idai. Whilst our rebuilding efforts are currently put on hold, the behind the scenes to make a community park possible continues during the lockdown. None of this would be possible without our supporters. Thank you!

With Gratitude,

Disaster Relief Cyclone Idai

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Jan 10, 2020
Supporting Communities

By Tilda Christensson | Program Manager

Dear Supporters,

The natural disasters are getting worse every month, and the cyclone Idai which swept in over Zimbabwe in 2019 is still affecting millions of people every day. Whilst the work is underway, the battle to provide housing for all those suffering, in particular homes for children who lost their parents, is still going.

The work to support the communities affected by Cyclone Idai in 2019 continues. Whilst the immediate relief has been provided, there are still plenty of work to be completed. In a nation which was already facing an economic and political crisis, the recovery process is longer and less stable. The GVI Trust is in conversations and collaborations with the Chimanimani township, one of the most affected regions found in Manicaland Province, in the district of Ngangu. Whilst local organisations are developing infrastructure for recreational purposes in Chimanimani township, the GVI Trust is hoping to contribute with a secure and reliable water source for the community attached to the center.

As a consequence of the cyclone, many boreholes were left in ruins, limiting people's access to water which has severe consequences on sanitation, education and hunger.

Without water access, the local community, including schools and health facilities, sanitation levels decreases and creates increased health risks. In addition, without adequate water the ability to remain their livelihood becomes increasingly difficult, especially in the time of drought. A borehole would therefore be a multipurpose solution addressing hunger and sanitation which will have a ripple effect and even improve the communities health and educational level. Finally, a borehole would assist women and girls by providing them shorter walking distances to collect the water and therefore more time to be children but also to study giving them the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

We want to take this opportunity and thank all of our donors, fundraisers and supporters for all everything you have done for those affected by cyclone Idai. Most importantly, we want to send our thank yous to the community for their endless effort to rebuild their community, show resilience and compassion to those worst affected.

With Gratitude,

Zimbabwe

Ngangu flyer distribution

Ngangu skatepark proposal

Ngangu Township

With Chimanimani Councilor and Hotel Manager

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