A Champion Mother Bringing Healing and Hope in Nduta Refugee Camp

In Nduta Refugee Camp, where thousands of families struggle to meet even their most basic needs, one woman has become a quiet beacon of hope. Her name is Nyabenda, and to her community she is more than a neighbour—she is a Champion Mother, trained and supported by World Vision to identify and assist children facing malnutrition.

For Nyabenda, caring for children is not simply a role; it is her calling.

“I feel sad whenever I see children suffering, especially due to inadequate care. Helping them brings joy to my heart,” she says gently.

Her compassion is reflected in her daily routine. Each morning, she visits the most vulnerable households, educates caregivers, and ensures that any child showing signs of malnutrition receives the right support. One case, in particular, remains deeply emotional for her—a young girl who had slipped into severe acute malnutrition.

The child was often left in the care of older siblings while her parents attended to other responsibilities. Days passed with little or no food. As her health declined, Nyabenda could no longer stand by. She visited the family repeatedly, encouraging the parents to seek help. When nothing changed, she asked for permission to intervene directly—and they finally agreed.

Acting quickly, she took the girl to the hospital, where she was admitted immediately. Throughout her treatment, Nyabenda remained closely involved, visiting regularly and keeping the parents informed of her progress.

Once her condition stabilised, the child was referred to World Vision’s Supplementary Feeding Programme. Here, she received nutrient‑dense food and ongoing follow‑up. Nyabenda made sure that every instruction was understood and implemented—preparing the recommended meals, feeding the child consistently, and offering the emotional support she desperately needed.

Within weeks, the transformation was remarkable. The little girl had fully recovered.

“Today, I am happy. The child is fully recovered,” Nyabenda says proudly, her face bright with relief.

Her persistence, compassion, and courage saved a child’s life.

But this is only one story. Across Nduta Camp, Nyabenda continues to support caregivers—teaching them about proper child nutrition, helping them recognise danger signs early, and linking families with life‑saving services such as the Supplementary Feeding Programme.

Through the dedication of Champion Mothers like her, World Vision’s nutrition interventions do more than treat malnutrition—they strengthen families, restore dignity, and bring hope to one of the most vulnerable places in Tanzania.

Nyabenda’s work shows that saving a child’s life often begins with one courageous woman who refuses to look away.

World Vision Tanzania works in partnership with the World Food Programme to support refugees in the Nyarugusu and Nduta camps in Kigoma. In 2025, a total of 186,212 refugees received assistance, including nearly 30,000 metric tonnes of food worth over US$15 million, ensuring families had reliable access to nutritious meals. This support also included specialised food for more than 21,000 vulnerable individuals, such as young children and pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.