Beira, Mozambique 2019
In August 2019, following the devastation of the cyclone which hit Beira in Mozambique, Jahara and H.E.A.L. embarked on an epic journey to take much needed aid and relief into the heart of the devastated area. Preparations for the trip was interesting as we attempted to get passports for all the residents, to gather enough donations and funds to make the trip worth it and of course to find enough vehicles, drivers and trailers prepared and able to make the trip.
Once we left all planning became obsolete as driving took 3 times longer and we quickly realised that the two days we had planned were not sufficient. Within 5 km of leaving we already experienced our first set back as one of the trailer wheels came off and went bouncing into the bush. The 6 hours waiting at customs to get clearance for the tons of donated items was an experience all on it’s own. Once we finally crossed the boarder we were hours into our journey and had to make some quick decisions as to where we would spend the night.
Probably one of the most memorable sites was the first night where we stayed at one of our residents house in Maputo. It was secured within a complex and for a small 2 bedroom house with a little garden it managed just fine to accommodate all the vehicles and tents (which were eventually put up outside the house in the complex roads.
Two more days of driving saw us reach the ocean, camp on the beach, break a gear box and finally arrive in the heart of Beira at 2:00 in the morning. We started to witness the destruction 100’s of kilometres outside of Beira which roads that had been washed away, roof’s ripped off and trees with all their roots laying all over the place.
We had been assigned the local football stadium as our campsite and to arrive at 02:00am with armed security in a city that was very evidently poverty stricken was a slight shock to many of our systems. We were however too exhausted, as well as overly excited for finally arriving, to really mind. Tents were erected, coffee was made, cars were parked and lights were on. Outreach had officially begun.
In the morning we unpacked and sorted all of the donations and assigned them to all of the different days. We met with the town officials and were taken on a tour to see the greatest impact the cyclone had made and the devastating damage all around us. It was overwhelming, heart breaking and horrifying all at the same time. It certainly did motivate us for the work that lay ahead.
Over the following few days we helped a creche, three schools, an orphanage, an old age home and a church. We played soccer in the evenings with the children at our camp site. We purchased more supplies and donated many a family hamper along the way. Different residents were impacted in different ways at different locations. All of which left an impression never to be forgotten.
Our final evening we were spoilt with a fish and prawns prepared by the family that was hosting us. It was n awesome way to end an incredible time in Beira. The journey home was just as long and just as much fun as we were able to relax, reflect and enjoy our last few days stopping to stay at some of the most beautiful beaches.
I for one will never forget the https://youtu.be/8AOrUaJ5t1M and am looking forward to the next one.