UNFPA, Unicef donate dignity kits and school items to flood victims

By Noel Chimwala

Chikwawa , March 27, Mana: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have donated dignity kits  and other school items to women and girls to cushion effects of Tropical Cyclone Freddy(TCF).

The organisations made the donation to Kapasule camp in Chikwawa on Saturday, through the ministry of Gender, Community development and Social Welfare.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, Jean Sendeza said men, women, children and elderly are living in conditions that are not conducive because of the cyclone which has displaced thousands of people.

“We are grateful to UNFPA for donating the dignity kits to women and girls, which will be useful for our women and girls at this camp, in addition, the books and toys donated by Unicef will keep our children busy and keep them in touch with what they learn from their caregivers,” she said.

Sendeza further warned men to desist from enticing girls into sexual activities and forcing them out of school through pregnancies and early marriages.

UNFPA representative Erik Schouten said they donated 150 dignity kits containing body washing soap, laundry soap, wrappers, sanitary pads and blankets.

“Knowing that our work is to provide sexual reproductive health, we are providing these items to the most vulnerable people to make sure no one is left behind,” he said.

One of the beneficiaries, Thokozani Panala commended the minister, UNFPA and Unicef for their commitment in bailing them out during this difficult time.

“The assistance has come at a good time since most of us here lost all our belongings after being hit by the cyclone so we moved here with nothing,” said Panala.

Kapasule camp has 850 people which include men, women, children and the elderly.