The kit that brought dignity to families in Natuco

When asked to leave her humble dwelling due to cyclone Kenneth, Julieta Biliwate did not make a fuss. A resident of village of Natuco in Mecúfi in Cabo Delgado province, Julieta, in the company of her husband and four daughters, left her home and went to seek shelter in her eldest son home.

She now feels very fortunate to have listened to the local authorities, as the heavy rains and strong winds that devastated that part of the country between 24 and 26 April left a trail of destruction. "My house collapsed but thank God the worst did not happen for me and my family because we left the house on time," said Julieta.

As Julieta, dozens of families living in Natuco saw Kenneth destroy their little possessions. As part of the response to the situation, Helvetas distributed hygiene kits, known as the dignity kit, to at least 320 affected families between 9 and 10 May this year.

The kit, consisting of a small bottle of water purifier and two boxes - one containing soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and soap, and another consisting of capulanas, absorbents and women's underwear for adults and children, was seen as a salvation for the affected families, especially women.

"I thank you very much for receiving this donation, because it will help my personal hygiene and that of my family," said Julieta, adding that she will treat water so that her children do not consume improper water.

Ima Pedro is also one of the residents affected by the cyclone. She benefited from the donation of the hygiene kit and said she is happy with the support. "I received soap, capulana, absorbents and CERTEZA (water purifier). I'm very happy about it," said Ima.

The distribution of the kits at the Administrative Post of Natuco was preceded by a sensitization  on hygiene, sanitation and water treatment. It should be noted that as part of the implementation of the Governance, Water and Sanitation Program (2009-2018), Helvetas promoted the sanitation of the environment, in addition to improving access to potable water in the Mecúfi district, particularly in Natuco.

These activities are part of the project Respond to Kenneth implemented by Helvetas in collaboration with SolidarMed and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation and supported by Swiss Solidarity, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, UNICEF, Helvetas and SolidarMed.