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Luthando Mapepa
Chipinge Correspondent
UNITED Methodist Church (UMC) has donated an assortment of goods worth thousands of dollars to inmates at Tongogara Refugee Camp in Chipinge.
The donation come through UMC ‘s Episcopal Area Programme which helps disadvantaged members of the society.
Clothes and groceries were handed over as part of the donations.
Speaking during the handover ceremony last Sunday, UMC bishop, Bishop Eben Kanukai Nhiwatiwa said the church will continue working with the refugee community in Zimbabwe.
He said the church will build an institution at the camp aimed at uplifting the lives of inmates.
“I am very humbled by the work being done by the refugee community despite the fact that they are separated from their families. Some of the refugees have managed to build their churches where they congregate. The church plays an important role in promoting unity and peace in the community. We are praying that the peace being enjoy here should continue.
“As a church, we look forward to establish an institution here at the camp to empower the refugees. It is in UMC’s DNA to build institutions like churches, schools and colleges and we hope my church will achieve this,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the camp administrator, Mr Johane Mhlanga, a bishop with one of the churches at Tongogara Refugee Camp, Bishop Djuma Timotee called on UMC to partner with the refugees to promote development.
“It is my wish that one day we will have an institution built by UMC at this camp. We are calling on partners such as churches to join hands with the refugees and host community in fostering development.
“The camp is grateful for the donations made by the church, and we are calling on more partners to come and support our brothers and sisters at this camp,” he said.
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