Raising funds to send urgent support to the people of Abidjan. Many already struggling families have lost lives and homes due to flooding
In the week beginning 22nd June flash floods hit Abidjan, in the Ivory Coast, destroying homes, killing people and further devastating hundreds of lives. More rain is now expected in this region that is already struggling to recover. I am trying to raise £10,000 to send directly to the community to in order to provide some initial relief for those most affected.
Abidjan has been massively impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. There’s little available in terms of medical care, and it’s expensive – the cost of just seeing a doctor is £60 - which does not feel like a lot of money here, but there it's colossal and often unachievable. There has been no Government support for the sick or workers as we have benefitted from here in the UK. People are being told they cannot go to work, but that means they have zero income.
On top of all this, I am beyond heartbroken to hear of the devastation that the recent floods have brought to Abidjan. Earlier this year I visited the area on a trip of a lifetime to explore my passion for African dance and drumming in workshops with the Djembe player Sidiki Dembele. The amazing community there welcomed me like I’ve never been welcomed before. There are people there with more love in their hearts than I've ever known. And they know how to take care of you. They don't have much, but what they have they share with you. Every need I had was met before I knew I had it. If I was tired, someone found me a comfortable place to rest. If I was hot, I was given water and sat in front of a fan. If I was hungry I was fed the most amazing food. And if I was stressed, somebody would send me a baby to cuddle. I've never felt so seen and so cared for. I left Abidjan feeling like I had joined the community – it will always have a special place in my heart, it’s like a second home.
Every penny I raise will go directly to the community there via Sidiki and the friends I have made there. Predominantly the money will be used to feed and clothe the people who have lost everything until a more sustainable solution can be found. It will also be used to provide people with rented accommodation, and to help them re-build their businesses. Long term, I plan to start a charity to assist with re-building homes there. Any donations would be appreciated to help this community, who welcomed me whole-heartedly earlier this year, to recover from this latest tragedy and rebuild for the future.
This project successfully funded on 11th July 2020