The Flood and Its Devastating Impact
In the heart of Maiduguri, Borno State, a powerful flood has devastated the lives of thousands. Families in Fori, Shehuri, and many other places across the city, people who were once displaced by conflict are now facing the harsh aftermath of nature’s fury. This flood has not only damaged homes but also left many vulnerable to disease, hunger, and other risks. Amidst the chaos, Grow Strong Foundation (GSF) has stepped forward to provide essential humanitarian relief. This blog delves into the swift response of GSF, painting a picture of hope in these challenging times.
From the moment the floodwaters began to rise, GSF launched a rapid humanitarian response, ensuring that the needs of the most affected were addressed. In Bakasi and Gubio camps, immediate action was taken to provide essential non-food items, psychosocial support (PSS), psychological first aid (PFA), and case management for both child protection (CP) and gender-based violence (GBV).
Bakasi Camp:
As the floodwaters receded, the GSF team found themselves in Bakasi camp, working tirelessly to assess and support the population. Among the critical actions was a sensitization session for 185 beneficiaries, focusing on the dangers of gender-based violence (GBV). Young girls, boys, men, and women were all educated on how to protect themselves, especially against individuals posing as aid providers with ill intentions. The importance of these sessions cannot be overstated during crises; such awareness can be the difference between safety and exploitation.
Another heartbreaking challenge was the separation of families. GSF’s case management efforts identified separated children, including 6 boys between the ages of 7 and 10, along with unaccompanied children—three boys and two girls, all below the age of 10. For families with missing children, GSF is working tirelessly to reunite them while providing continuous care and protection.
In the midst of this, GSF also organized Child-Friendly Space (CFS) activities for 154 children, offering a safe haven for those affected. These children, some as young as 0–5 years old, engaged in play, learning, and emotional support activities, which are crucial for their well-being in such traumatic times. In Bakasi alone, 25 children were registered for psychosocial support, a key intervention to help them cope with the mental and emotional strain of the disaster.
Gubio Camp:
In Gubio camp, the situation was no less dire. GSF’s ongoing needs assessments have been critical in understanding the immediate requirements of the displaced population. In a camp with over 5,670 individuals, including 3,700 women and 1,970 children, one-on-one counseling sessions were held with women to address their unique challenges in the wake of the flood. Sensitization and awareness programs have reached every corner of the camp, ensuring that people understand the available support and how to stay safe during this crisis.
The Urgent Need for Food and Non-Food Items
Across both camps, the need for basic necessities is overwhelming. With displaced families living in temporary shelters, food shortages have become a major concern. Non-food items (NFI) such as bedding, clothing, and hygiene kits are desperately needed, especially as the rainy season heightens the risk of disease. In Bakasi, the team identified 10 suspected cases of cholera, further underscoring the need for immediate intervention to prevent a larger outbreak.
While GSF continues to deliver lifesaving support, significant challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) supplies, which increases the risk of waterborne diseases. The absence of partner organizations to fill these critical gaps has stretched resources thin.
This latest effort underscores the importance of collaboration between humanitarian organizations and philanthropic supporters in delivering timely assistance to those who need it the most. GSF is grateful for the continued support and is committed to expanding its outreach to help more individuals in need.
Within the confines of the Bakasi camp, the Grow Strong Foundation (GSF) remains steadfast in its pursuit of positively impacting the lives of susceptible individuals who have been adversely affected by the Maiduguri flood. In a recent endeavor, GSF successfully executed the distribution of essential hygiene kits and clothing items to a total of 49 women and girls. This endeavor was made possible through the generous contributions of esteemed philanthropists. The primary objective of this initiative was to address the immediate requirements of these women and girls, enabling them to maintain personal hygiene and preserve their dignity amidst the challenging circumstances they confront.
The distribution of these items serves as a testament to GSF’s unwavering commitment to supporting displaced populations, ensuring that they have access to the necessities essential for their well-being. Through the establishment of strategic partnerships and the acquisition of donations, GSF remains dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in vulnerable settings, providing them with the resources they require to flourish.
This latest effort underscores the paramount significance of collaboration between humanitarian organizations and philanthropic supporters in the prompt delivery of assistance to those who are most in need. GSF extends its heartfelt gratitude for the continued support it receives and remains committed to expanding its outreach in order to assist more individuals in need.
Nevertheless, GSF is committed to overcoming these obstacles. Additional relief supplies are being dispatched to both camps, while hygiene kits have been distributed to help mitigate health risks. Coordination meetings with local and international partners are ongoing, ensuring that the response remains effective and adaptive to the evolving needs on the ground.
As the people of Bakasi and Gubio camps navigate this difficult time, the Grow Strong Foundation stands beside them, offering not only immediate relief but also a path to recovery. The journey ahead will not be easy, but with continued support and collaboration, we can help these communities rebuild their lives and restore their dignity.
Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind, even in the wake of disaster.