At Smile Dominica, our mission extends beyond bringing joy to children; we're also committed to supporting mothers in need. Through our initiative, we aim to provide essential assistance and resources to less fortunate mothers across Dominica. From offering financial aid to providing access to maternal healthcare services, we strive to uplift and empower mothers facing challenging circumstances. Together, let's create a brighter future for both children and mothers in our community. We recognize the invaluable role that mothers play in shaping our communities. That's why we've launched a series of skill-building workshops aimed at empowering mothers with the tools they need to thrive. Through educational sessions and hands-on training, we provide opportunities for mothers to learn new skills, from financial management to entrepreneurship and beyond. By investing in their personal and professional development, we're not only helping mothers secure brighter futures for themselves but also fostering stronger, more resilient communities. Join us in empowering mothers to unlock their full potential and build a better tomorrow for themselves and their families.

OUR DOCUMENTS

Surviving Hurricane Erika: A Mother's Personal Account from Petit Savanne

On August 27th, around 6 am, my nine-month-old daughter and I were sleeping at my boyfriend's aunt's house in Petit Savanne. She woke me up urgently, asking me to come and see something. It was the first time in my life I had witnessed such a sight. As I went to investigate, I saw water rushing down from the mountains, resembling a river, with some of it entering the house.

After a few minutes, the rain calmed down, prompting her husband to step outside and redirect the water's flow away from the house. Meanwhile, my boyfriend, who was working the night shift at the Dominica Essential Oils and Spices Cooperative Distillery, called me, asking to relay a message to Raphael. However, soon after, the phone service was cut off, leaving us unable to reach him.

I then woke up my cousin and urged her to come and see what was happening outside. My boyfriend's mother lived lower down, so I went to inform her. When I arrived, I noticed a small landslide behind her house, and water was already seeping inside. She decided to go to her son's house for safety.

Suddenly, my daughter woke up, and Miriam, who was beside me, ran off to help. I instructed my cousin to open the umbrella for me, but before she could, she looked up and warned me to run. I began running just as a heavy wind swept over me, lifting me into the air. I heard a roaring sound and felt sand covering part of my head, my baby's ears, and my cousin's feet. Luckily, there was a small edge where the sand didn't cover, allowing us to escape.

As we surveyed the aftermath, we feared it was the end of our lives, a scene reminiscent of movies. Despite our cries for help, we heard no response except for my mother-in-law's voice, telling us she was stuck and needed assistance. We tried to reach her, but the sand had filled up inside. Desperate for help, we climbed a hill that had partially collapsed, hoping to find assistance. Those we informed about the situation quickly went to help but returned with devastating news – not a single trace of our house remained. I broke down in tears, praying for the nightmare to end. For eight agonizing hours, we endured the rain without shelter or food, hoping for my boyfriend's arrival. However, we were informed that his father had died, adding to our despair. The following day, I had to walk from Petit Savanne to Grand Bay in the rain with my baby. I had lost everything – my home, my daughter, my boyfriend, and the loving family I once had.

Hurricane Erika had left me with nothing, not even clothes for my baby, or a trace of the life I once knew. Despite the pain and loss, I am grateful for the support of my friends and family. Moving on won't be easy, but I hold onto hope, even as Erica's devastation continues to haunt me deeply.

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