Supporting a family that opened its home to others

Mueda, Cabo Delgado - Alaia Adremane lives with her husband and their four children in the community of Ngapa, in Mueda District. Over the past few years, their home has also provided a safe place for families who fled violence by non-state armed groups in other districts of Cabo Delgado.

When the conflict forced thousands of people to leave their homes, Alaia’s family was among the host families that opened their doors to people in need of safety and support.

In 2020, Alaia and her husband welcomed a family of five who had been displaced from Muidumbe District. One year later, they welcomed another family from the same district. In total, they shared their home with two displaced families.

"It was not easy," says Alaia. "My husband and I depend on farming, and what we produce is not always enough for everyone. But we knew those families had lost everything, and at that moment they needed someone to help them."

Despite the challenges, Alaia never hesitated to help. For her, welcoming the family was the right decision.

"They arrived with nothing. They had left behind their homes, their belongings, and their livelihoods. We could not change what had happened to them, but we could offer them a place where they felt safe."

In 2023, one of the families was able to rebuild their life in the community and began living independently. Alaia continues to host the other displaced family because she knows that starting over is never easy.

"Starting over is never easy. But when people receive support, everything becomes a little easier, and that is how we move forward," she says.

Recently, Alaia received support through the direct cash payments. UNICEF, in partnership with Mozambique’s National Institute of Social Action (INAS) and with funding from the Eastern and Southern Africa Humanitarian Fund (ESAHF), supports the programme for displaced, returnee and host families in Mueda District. The assistance helps families meet their most urgent needs and protect the well-being of their children.

For Alaia, the support came at the right time.

"This money will help reduce our family's expenses. Today we have more children at home to feed, care for, and protect. This support means a lot to us."

Despite the challenges she has faced over the past few years, Alaia says she has never regretted welcoming displaced families into her home.

"If I had to do it again, I would make the same decision. I know what these families have been through, and I believe that when we can help someone, we should do it. Today we are helping others. Tomorrow, we may be the ones who need help."

For host families like Alaia’s, financial assistance is more than a cash grant. It recognises the solidarity they showed during the crisis and helps them continue supporting displaced families as they rebuild their lives.