World Vision Zimbabwe Provides Lifesaving Shelter to Refugees in Tongogara
By Isheunesu Gwasha (Programs Communications Officer)
For thousands of refugees in Tongogara Refugee Settlement (TRS), finding safe and dignified shelter remains an ongoing struggle. Many arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs, facing uncertainty and hardship. Recognising this urgent need, World Vision Zimbabwe, with support from World Vision USA through the Gift-In-Kind (GIK) model, has donated 61 camping tents and 300 sleeping bags to the TRS administrator’s office to provide temporary shelter for the most vulnerable.
Located in Chipinge District in southeastern Zimbabwe, TRS shelters over 16,000 refugees from 27 countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Mozambique, Burundi, and Rwanda. The settlement receives an estimated 67 new arrivals each month, adding up to more than 800 annually, further straining already limited resources.
Currently, newly arrived refugees are housed in an overcrowded Reception Centre, which struggles to accommodate the growing numbers. The situation increases the risk of disease outbreaks, particularly as some refugees come from regions experiencing health crises such as Mpox and Ebola.
"The Reception Centre is already overstretched, and this donation will substantially alleviate pressure by providing temporary accommodation for incoming refugees," said Mrs. Isabel Chabatapere, TRS Administrator. "This will also help mitigate health risks associated with overcrowding."
Beyond assisting new arrivals, the donated tents and sleeping bags will also provide emergency shelter for refugees whose homes have been destroyed by extreme weather or fire incidents. Additionally, the tents will serve as safe spaces for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), offering them an alternative to remaining in unsafe households where they risk further abuse.
"GBV survivors often have no choice but to remain in unsafe environments due to the lack of alternative housing," said community leader Illunga, 47. "These donated tents will provide them with a safe space and a pathway to recovery."
During the handover ceremony, TRS Project Coordinator Joel Bizure reaffirmed World Vision Zimbabwe’s dedication to improving the lives of displaced individuals. "As an organisation, we are committed to securing additional resources to support vulnerable families and strengthen community resilience," he stated.
The local community and settlement officials expressed their gratitude for this timely intervention.
"We sincerely thank World Vision and the donors who made this possible. These camping tents and sleeping bags will bring relief to many families in need," said a TRS administrator.
By addressing urgent shelter needs, this initiative reinforces World Vision Zimbabwe’s commitment to protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of refugees. However, the need remains great. World Vision Zimbabwe continues to mobilise resources and encourages partners and donors to join in supporting TRS, ensuring that every refugee has a safe place to call home.
