International : Development and Relief Services
Africare
A leader in aid to Africa
Re: Africare's Work in Eastern Chad-Camp Gaga
Posted by Africare | March 16, 2009 5:56:51 AM
Africare’s work in Eastern Chad began as early as 1984, long before the world knew about atrocities taking place in Darfur and long before other NGOs arrived to help. I know from personal experience that Africare’s work has been deeply appreciated by thousands of refugees, as well as local and national authorities including the President of Chad. The comment posted on December 22, 2008 provides an inaccurate description.
Africare manages two refugee camps in Chad: one in Eastern Chad and the other in Southern Chad. The registration of new refugees is carried out entirely by UNHCR in collaboration with the Government of Chad (GOC), represented by the National Commission for Hosting Refugees (Commission Nationale d'Accueil des Réfugiés). They are responsible for granting refugee status to new persons arriving at the camps. Once individuals have been registered and granted refugee status, Africare installs them in their blocks, provides their first assistance package and begins to implement grassroots activities such as agriculture, stock breeding, forestry, income generating activities, water management and distribution, clean-up and hygiene. The incidence of rape in Gaga Camp has been significantly reduced due to the direct distribution of firewood to refugees, who use both traditional and "Save 80" improved stoves. The women no longer have to go out in search of firewood, exposing themselves to rapists. Any rape victims are immediately referred to the International Medical Corps (IMC) for assistance. Africare’s approach to emergency and humanitarian assistance is to provide safety and immediate assistance (water, food, shelter, healthcare) while also looking to the future by providing the knowledge and skills the refugees will need to rebuild their lives. Training and education, grants, and other means of support are essential for helping to build successful and sustainability communities, the goal of all Africare programs.
Africare's Work In Eastern Chad- Camp Gaga
Posted by Eye Witness | December 22, 2008 6:51:27 AM
Africare could do a much better job then they have in the past. Registration and placement of new refugees in Camp Gaga in Eastern Chad has been a major problem to say the least.
It would be nice not to see refugee having to wait weeks to be registered. Also, it would be nice to see more solar cookers in Eastern Chad. Africare, as well as every other NGO, knows about the rapes occurring when women go to get firewood. Solar cookers would help to reduce this. If you want to give to a charity, MSF, or Doctors Without Borders, is doing better work for the people in this region.
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Smart move. Thank you.
Posted by Phoebe | October 23, 2009 1:33:10 PM
I really appreciate that someone from Africare is willing to address issues brought up in this discussion arena. I wish that it would occur to other organizations, interested in obtaining our donations, to do the same.