Over 5,000 refugees receive aid from Itel Tanzania

KIGOMA: OVER 5,000 refugees in Nyarugusu Camp, located in Kasulu District, Kigoma Region, have received essential supplies worth over 100m/- from Itel Tanzania in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The donations, which included 5,000 mosquito nets, fabrics such as kitenge and kanga, sanitary pads, and undergarments for children, women, and men, were handed over by Itel Tanzania’s Marketing Manager, Sophia Mafiri, to the camp’s head, Mr Siasa Manjenje.

Ms Mafiri emphasised that the initiative is part of the company’s commitment to giving back to the community.

“As Itel Tanzania, we have partnered with UNHCR to bring aid to refugees here in Nyarugusu. The support we are providing today consists of mosquito nets, clothing, and hygiene products, valued at over 100m,” she said.

UNHCR’s representative in Kasulu District, Mr Jean Bosco, expressed gratitude for the donation, acknowledging the financial challenges facing the organisation, which have made it difficult to fully support the government in addressing refugee needs.

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“I sincerely thank Itel for this generous support. Our organisation is currently facing financial constraints, limiting our ability to assist the Tanzanian government in supporting refugees. This donation is a significant relief, and we urge other organisations to step forward as well,” Mr Bosco said.

Meanwhile, the head of Nyarugusu Camp, Mr Manjenje, assured that the aid would be distributed accordingly to benefit those in need.

He also called on other organisations, both governmental and private, to join efforts in assisting the refugee population.

“We appreciate Itel’s donation, which will benefit many people in the camp. With such a large number of refugees in need, we welcome other organisations and individuals to extend their support to Nyarugusu,” Manjenje said.

Nyarugusu Camp hosts approximately 135,000 refugees, many of whom rely on humanitarian assistance for their daily needs.