Children and Families Receive UNICEF Hygiene Kits

Children and their families in Clarendon turned out in their numbers to collect hygiene kits from UNICEF on Tuesday July 30.

Hundreds of people from Rocky Point, Portland Cottage and Lionel Town benefitted from the collaborative effort of the teams from UNICEF and Food for the Poor (FFP) who journeyed to support the communities that have been left reeling from the effects of Beryl.

The category 4 hurricane lashed these coastal areas on July 3.

Many homes are still without roofs and people’s livelihoods have been destroyed as many are farmers and fisher folk.

The distribution mission is one of many that have taken place shortly after the hurricane.

During this visit, UNICEF donated 300 hygiene kits.

The kits, packaged in a bucket, contained items such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soaps, rags, sanitary napkins, mosquito repellent and liquid anti-bacterial handwash.

“UNICEF knows that children and their families are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and our focus is on ensuring that they are receiving support in the areas of sanitation and hygiene, which is crucial at this time when their water supply and electricity are affected,” UNICEF Representative, Olga Isaza explained.

“This donation, is part of an ongoing support that UNICEF is providing to the most affected children and their families in these communities.”

In all 3,600 kits will be distributed to the most affected communities and some 11,000 children will be supported through water points, child friendly spaces among other initiatives including monetary support for families with children under five years old, pregnant and lactating women and people with disabilities.

In her appeal on behalf of children, Ms Isaza is urging communities to protect children from abuse and ill-treatment and to be extra watchful of their well-being.