The Mennonite Brethren Transform Lives Initiative (MBTLI) says it plans to support 10,500 households in Dzaleka and surrounding host communities with household, hygiene and nutrition materials.

The assistance is being delivered through a three-year Material Resource Project which started in March with support from the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC).

Speaking during a distribution exercise in Dzaleka, MBTLI Program Manager Elvas Gloria Shaba said the project is aimed at improving hygiene, sanitation and nutrition among vulnerable households.

Shaba said beneficiaries are receiving blankets, bathing towels, soap, toothpaste, materials for infants and other household necessities.

MCC Project Coordinator Jason Sipulwa said the support is also intended to show solidarity with refugee families and surrounding communities.

“This is not the end of the intervention. We will continue engaging with beneficiaries through dialogue to identify areas where further support is needed,” Sipulwa said.

One of the beneficiaries, Rose Bahati Biringanine, thanked MCC and MBTLI for the assistance and appealed for additional support, particularly clothes and bedding.

The project is expected to continue supporting households in Dzaleka and nearby host communities over the next three years.

By Rabecca Zimalirana