Zalingei, is home to around 70,000 IDPs. Approximately half of the population is living in the town itself where they are crammed into school compounds and public spaces. Living conditions are abysmal, and the local authorities are trying to encourage those living in the town to move to a new official camp being set up now.
ACDER will distribute the survival kits to new arrivals at the camp, targeting the most vulnerable families. In addition, the new camp will allow residents access to land. ACDER is also providing seeds and tools so that families can grow their own food.
While the new arrivals are waiting for their first harvest, ACDER has committed to support them through a food for work program in which families will receive food for three months in return for tending the crops.
To help in the distribution, ACDER partner Sudan Council of Churches (SCC) is currently recruiting local volunteers. This is a scheme that is already working successfully in Mershing camp, where 60 volunteers, from both SCC and ACDER partner Sudan Development Organization (SUDO), are already doing a needs assessment to identify the most vulnerable who will receive plastic sheeting and blankets.
(*ACDER stands for ACT/Caritas Darfur Emergency Response. The two global networks are working together for the first time to meet the needs of the people in Darfur with local Sudanese partners.)
Presbyterian Disasater Assistance has provided $100,000 from One Great Hour of Sharing and designated funds to help in the relief efforts. |
