Zara: “My home, open to more than just my own children.”

Mallory Dionkain

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

My name is Zara. I live in the Geureda refugee camp in eastern Chad. I have four children, but when I saw four other little ones arrive alone, without parents, I couldn’t look away.Today, I care for eight children under one shelter.

“When I saw those children alone, I couldn’t remain indifferent. They needed a mother, so I decided to become one.”

What World Vision Means to My Family

Taking care of eight children in a refugee camp is a daily struggle. Food, hygiene items and other essentials are always scarce. Through humanitarian assistance, I have received cash support, which has allowed me to buy rice and soap and meet our most basic needs. We have also received school kits, blankets and hygiene supplies.

“With the cash, I was able to buy rice and soap. The kits we received have restored a little dignity to our lives.”

Solidarity Despite Hardship

Here, we have almost nothing. Yet we share what little we have. The children I welcomed were weak and undernourished when they arrived. Together, with the community, we found the strength to give them a roof over their heads and a meal. “We have almost nothing, but we still have the strength to love and share.”

A committee to protect our children

With support from World Vision, a reception committee was established in the camp. It looks after the children placed with families, and each member contributes 1,000 CFA francs (approximately USD 1.80) to support us. This gesture shows that, even in difficult circumstances, we can organize ourselves to protect our children.

“We give what we can, because every child deserves to grow up with dignity.”

I’m doing my best for my eight children, but the needs are immense.

My Appeal for the Future

I am doing everything I can for the eight children who depend on me, but the needs remain immense. Emergency support helps us survive, yet it is not enough to build a stable future.

We need training for young people, opportunities to learn trades, and support for income‑generating activities. That way, we can offer a better future to these children who depend on us.

“We’re doing our best, but we need support. Train our young people in trades, help us create income-generating activities. That way, we can offer a better future to these children.”