NGO supports fasting Muslims with relief food

Faizan Global Relief Foundation has supported 3 500 households fasting during the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan in Traditional Authority Mlolo in Nsanje District with relief food items. The donation includes maize flour, sugar, rice, salt and soya pieces. Speaking on Saturday during the distribution exercise at Fatima Boys Secondary School, the organisation’s director of public relations and projects Ibrahim Omar Mataya said the initiative is part of their broader efforts to address food security, targeting 100 000 households nationwide.

He said: “We are responding to President Peter Mutharika’s appeal for humanitarian assistance made in October last year. “In our religion, the best form of charity is to feed someone, therefore, we are providing 3 500 food packs to ensure that those fasting have something to break their fast with and open with.” Mataya said the organisation has been distributing relief food to hunger-stricken families since the President declared a State of National Disaster last year, but the significance of Ramadan has prompted them to run a special initiative. Nsanje North legislator Francis Folley (Democratic Progressive Party) commended the organisation’s efforts.

“One of the major challenges we face here is flooding. Many families have had to migrate to upland areas, which lack clean water. Therefore, we urge well-wishers to help us with boreholes,” said the legislator who is also Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Technology.

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Senior Chief Mlolo also called for additional food support, highlighting the area’s vulnerability to hunger due to recurrent flooding and droughts. One of the beneficiaries, Estelle Kambalame, expressed gratitude for the support, saying that it will contribute to food security during Ramadan. “The initiative underscores the importance of community support during challenging times, particularly in aligning with the values of compassion and charity during the holy month of Ramadan,” she said.

Mataya (L), Folley, (2R) and Senior Chief Mlolo (R) symbolically present the items. | Martin Gela Jnr

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