By Vida Msiyo

Blantyre, November 29, Mana: A total of 700 vulnerable households in Traditional Authority Lundu, Blantyre, on Thursday received food and financial assistance from the Catholic Development Commission in Malawi (CADECOM) under the Blantyre Archdiocese.

The support, funded by Caritas Korea and Italy, was aimed at easing food shortages in the area as about 200 households received MK100, 000 each to buy food, while 500 households were given 10 kilograms of soya corn blend to help malnourished children.

Speaking during the event, Vicar General, Monsignor Boniface Tamani said the Catholic Church is committed to helping those in need, emphasizing the church’s mission to support the vulnerable especially in times of hardship and ensure no one is left behind.

“We are concerned about the hunger affecting Malawi, with support from Caritas Korea and Italy, we are able to help those in need and this act of giving is also the reason we celebrate the World Day of the Poor, to ensure there is no hunger or violence in families and the country,” said Tamani.

Blantyre District Council Disaster Officer Faith Khamula thanked the church for the gesture, saying T/A Lundu is one of the areas that faces hunger every year. She further said that such support helps ease the burden on the local community and strengthens efforts to combat food insecurity in the district.

“As Blantyre District Council, we are happy to see churches helping; this support will go a long way in assisting the government in its efforts to provide food to those affected by hunger. So the involvement of churches in this effort is crucial in ensuring that the most vulnerable people receive the assistance they need during these challenging times,” she said.

One of the beneficiaries, Rosemary William, thanked the church for its inclusive approach to helping the needy, saying the support has given her hope during difficult times and she praised the Roman Catholic Church for ensuring that no one, regardless of their background is left behind in the aid distribution.

“What the Roman Catholic has done is a great work, they have helped me and everyone who is poor in this area, not just members of their Church but anyone. So I encourage other religious groups to do the same when helping people to make Malawi a better place,” she added.

The assistance focuses on vulnerable groups such as the elderly, widows and orphans to ease their struggles during hard times.