Nature can be as unpredictable as it is powerful. Recently, a massive storm and catastrophic flooding—the most severe the region has seen in over 30 years—swept through the area with terrifying speed. In a staggering window of just three short hours, 155 mm (over 6 inches) of rain fell upon the village.
To put that in perspective, that is roughly 1.5 cubic meters of water for every square meter of ground. It was an atmospheric deluge that the local infrastructure simply wasn’t built to handle. The drainage systems were quickly overwhelmed, turning familiar pathways into rushing torrents of mud and debris. For the families of Manga, the sound of rain—usually a blessing for crops—became a herald of heartbreak.
The consequences were devastating for our neighbors, hitting the most vulnerable members of our community the hardest. As a non-profit rooted in the belief that every child deserves a safe place to grow, seeing our community under water was a call to immediate action. The damage was widespread:
Damage to the School: Our preschool, which serves as a beacon of learning, was not spared. A significant portion of the roof was torn away by high-velocity winds, leaving classrooms exposed to the elements.
Flooding in Homes: As the river breached its banks, muddy water rose to knee-height inside family dwellings. Families scrambled to save what few possessions they had as the water crept higher.
Loss of Essentials: The hardest hit were those living in traditional mud-brick homes. These structures, while beautiful and culturally significant, began to dissolve and collapse under the relentless pressure of the floodwaters.
Because many of our families sleep on simple mattresses placed directly on the floor, their bedding was quickly soaked in thick mud and contaminated water. In an instant, the basic comfort of a dry place to sleep was gone.
During the height of the chaos, our school building—despite its own damage—served as a temporary sanctuary. It became a lighthouse in the storm. Families who had watched their homes crumble or fill with silt sought shelter within our walls. Here, they found more than just a dry floor; they found a community to lean on.
In those dark hours, our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to provide comfort, sharing what supplies we had and offering prayers for the rain to cease. We witnessed the incredible resilience of the human spirit as neighbors helped neighbors, proving that while the water could wash away walls, it could not wash away our bond.
After the storm, once the waters finally receded, the landscape was forever changed, and the real work began. The cleanup was a monumental task, requiring us to scrape layers of dried mud from every surface and disinfect homes to prevent the spread of waterborne illness.
Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we were able to move beyond immediate rescue to long-term relief. We successfully distributed emergency food kits and brand-new, high-quality mattresses to every family who lost theirs. This wasn’t just about furniture; it was about dignity. It allowed families to return to their homes and begin the long, difficult process of rebuilding, one step at a time.
We are filled with joy to report that as the new school year begins, our classrooms are once again filled with the vibrant sound of children’s voices and laughter. The roof has been patched, the walls have been painted, and the spirit of Manga is stronger than ever. It is a beautiful, daily reminder that even after the darkest and most destructive storms, there is a path toward hope and renewal.
To everyone in our family and all across the country who gave toward our flood relief efforts: Thank you. Your kindness provided tangible relief during a moment of absolute crisis. You were the hands and feet of this ministry when the clouds were at their darkest. Without your financial support and your prayers, this help simply would not have reached the people of Manga in their hour of greatest need.
While the immediate crisis has passed, our commitment to these families remains steadfast. We believe that providing early childhood education and a foundation of faith is the best way to ensure these children have a future that is “flood-proof.”
Together, we continue to provide a safe harbor for these children—no matter how hard the rain falls. We invite you to stay on this journey with us as we continue to invest in the lives of those in Manga, ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the tools, the education, and the faith they need to weather any storm life sends their way.
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