Support and Protection, pillars of the I-Life Project for internally displaced persons
By Rodrigue Harakandi, Communications Officer
During the implementation of the I-Life project funded by USAID-BHA in Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the protection of participants is a key priority. The World Vision team, which includes Protection Assistant Sifa Chagala, is dedicated to supporting the most vulnerable people affected by the effects of the war since the start of clashes between the DRC's armed forces and the M23 armed group.
When welcoming participants during the distribution of food or cash, attention is focused on people with a high level of vulnerability, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, people living with disabilities, unaccompanied children, as well as sick and weak persons.
The importance of this approach is illustrated by the testimony of Jackson, 52, a war casualty and participant in the programme.
‘When they saw that I only had one leg, they took me in their arms and accompanied me to a safe place,’ he says, delighted by the support he has received.
This gesture shows not only the solidarity of the team, but also their commitment to ensuring the safety of all participants by offering the best possible conditions of protection for vulnerable participants.
Access to aid is facilitated by the team, which manages all the procedures on behalf of the beneficiaries. Sifa also mentions critical situations, such as a pregnant woman who received her support and gave birth to a child.
“This woman was at the full pregnancy, but she took the risk of coming to the distribution site. We transported her in good conditions to the maternity ward of the nearest health center, and the nurses took care of her. She gave birth to a child a few hours later”, recalls Sifa.
This example highlights the importance of a rapid and coordinated response at critical times. In addition, the protection team also plays a key role in referring participants to appropriate medical care. In serious cases, World Vision accompanies the participants concerned to the nearest hospital, thus ensuring that each person receives the necessary attention.
‘If someone is very ill, we advise them to go to hospital for treatment,’ says Sifa. This demonstrates the priority given to the well-being of beneficiaries in distribution activities.
The I-Life project is not limited to distributing food or money; it extends to creating an environment of safety and support for those who need it most. The joy of seeing a child born safe after the support of the protection teams is a source of hope for everyone involved, and this is what motivates the World Vision team to preserve its commitment.