My hope for the future is to build my own house as I have a temporary grass and stick house.
Sonia, is a remarkable 19-year-old woman who has defied the odds and embarked on a journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and hope.
Despite facing unimaginable challenges, Sonia has managed to not only rebuild her life but also start her own business.
Through her determination and the support she received from organisations like Oxfam, Sonia is working towards creating a brighter future for herself and her two children
Rebuilding Amidst Devastation
Sonia's life took a devastating turn when Cyclone Idai struck. Before the disaster, she worked diligently in her community, encouraging women to register their newborns and attend post-natal follow-up sessions in her hometown of Lamego. However, when Idai hit, Sonia's world was turned upside down.
Her house, along with the homes of her parents and her 3-year-old daughter, was destroyed.
In the face of disaster, Sonia and her family found refuge by climbing up a tree, where they stayed from 11 pm to 4 am. At the break of dawn, they began their journey, walking towards higher ground along the road. The following day, they reached Nhamatanda, where they sought temporary shelter at a local school. Eventually, they settled in the Kura resettlement camp, with Sonia's parents deciding to return to their home in Lamego due to the limited resources and inability to farm in the camp. However, Sonia remained in the camp, determined to build a better future for herself and her children
