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Cyclone Idai and Kenneth Appeal: How You've Helped

In the aftermath of cyclones Idai and Kenneth, thousands of children were separated from their families and in desperate need of help.

The cyclones caused widespread flooding and left devastation in its wake – homes, schools and hospitals were ripped apart, whole communities were cut off and agricultural land was completely submerged. 

Roads, health centres and schools needed repairing or rebuilding from scratch. Over 700,000 hectares of crops were flooded.

Even before these cyclones hit, the 1.5 million children affected were some of the poorest and most disadvantaged in the world.

With your support, we’ve raised a fantastic £.1.6 million.

Page updated on March 6, 2020

Mateo's story

Mateo in Mozambique

'There was water everywhere and it was rising quickly. My goats were washed away; I saw them drown. We lost everything that day.' Mateo, 10, spent three whole nights stranded up a tree with his family until he was finally rescued.

Mateo was moved to a resettlement camp with his family. We gave them a tent, hygiene kit and learning materials. Mateo is back at school, rebuilding his life and protecting his future.

What we did

We helped children to survive and recover in the aftermath of this catastrophe. Thanks to support like yours, we:

  • Reunited children with their families
  • trained staff and volunteers to help protect vulnerable children, especially girls, from abuse
  • provided 1,700 children with safe spaces to play and recover from distressing experiences
  • screened children and pregnant and nursing women for malnutrition
  • helped 9,500 children catch up on education at our temporary learning spaces
  • gave families cash transfers to enable them to buy food and support the recovery of local markets.

Support like this is critical. But much more help is needed. You can make a difference and save lives for emergencies like this and others around the world - please donate now.

Miranda's story

Miranda in mozambiqu

'Many of my classmates never came back to school. School is very important, we all know that. I lost my shoes that my father bought me and my phone when the cyclone hit. My backpack was ripped. My school materials were all wet, and the paint had come off. I couldn't use them anymore.

Now I have a new backpack and some materials, pens and notebooks. I still do not have the books I need for all my classes. The teachers says that we will get them soon, but we are still waiting.' - Miranda, 11

Our Emergency Fund

Whatever the disaster, thanks to our Emergency Fund, we can be by a child's side within days of a disaster striking - to help children survive and rebuild their lives, before it's too late. 

You can donate now to support those wherever the need is greatest.

Find out more