IAFR in Dzaleka

Refugee churches in Dzaleka are never quiet. Everyday there are different activities happening that give support and strength to the members. Today we met these two women from the Pentecostal Community Church who volunteer their time to teach other women in the church tailoring skills as well as providing them with emotional support. They also use their time to sew clothes and school uniforms for many of the highly vulnerable children who come to elementary school at the church. This hard working, generous spirit is seen in so many places along the refugee highway and it is a great inspiration for us at IAFR.

One of the things we heard on our first day in Dzaleka was the reality of many new arrivals to start this year. It was hard to hear the strain in the voices of our friends as they talked about the growing numbers of people in the camp and the strain this puts on the system. Yet I was also reminded of how it is the local refugee churches who are the first to welcome new arrivals and help them get settled into life in the camp. This is one of the informal roles local faith communities play on the refugee highway and it's one of the many reasons why we love partnering with the refugee church.This photo is of one corner of the refugee camp that has bee recently expanded to give space for new arrivals.