Spreading hope away from home

Nizigiyimana is a refugee from Burundi who has transformed the lives of many children through her work as a volunteer. She was forced to flee her home and arrived in Malawi in 2004. She has lived at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp ever since. For the past 14 years, Nizigiyimana has dedicated herself to preparing porridge for the children at Umodzikatubza Primary School within the refugee camp, a role that has brought her a profound sense of purpose and hope.

Volunteering with Mary's Meals has given Nizigiyimana more than just a daily routine – it has given her a community. Working alongside women from Malawi, she has created strong, supportive relationships. She tells us: “Serving as a Mary's Meals volunteer has given me a sense of belonging. It has helped me create meaningful relationships with women from Malawi, and it feels like home.”

Food scarcity is a harsh reality in the camp. The rations provided are often insufficient, forcing many children to go to bed hungry. Nizigiyimana says: “Some children sleep on an empty stomach, and when it’s time for school, they have hope to receive a meal. The school feeding program is a profound hope, and it is evident because learners are already in line to receive porridge even when we have not yet started serving.”

Nizigiyimana’s commitment over the past 14 years is a testament to her dedication to her community and her belief in the impact of Mary’s Meals’ school feeding program. Her consistent efforts ensure that children can receive a nutritious meal while finding a semblance of normality as they navigate life far from the place that they once called home.