In March 2023, Malawi was hit by Tropical Cyclone Freddy which brought strong winds and heavy rains that knocked out 15 districts in the Southern region of Malawi. The disaster comes with displacements, loss of property and death. As one way of responding to the Cyclone, the Malawi government called for humanitarian partners to provide support in terms of food, monitory support and other necessary materials. In response, Youth for Development and Productivity, a local Non-Governmental Organization through the funding from Save the Children Italy received funding of 47.8 million under Localization project to support the government's call to support the cyclone Freddy victims in ZOMBA.
It is with this background that made the Presidential GALA team recognize Yodep with the award for the best Cyclone Freddy Response and the Executive Director Mr. McBlessings Buda received the medal on behalf of the Organization and the entire staff.
