Food relief heroes from World Vision face deadly dangers to tackle the Global Hunger Crisis
The sound of rapid gunfire, explosions at close range, women wailing and children crying … these are just some of the countless memories that are tough to forget.
They are the words of Benard Nyataya, (pictured above), a World Vision emergency relief officer in South Sudan. Along with his colleagues, he can be given just 72 hours-notice to deploy. World Vision, is a global charity, inspired by the Christian faith, to bring hope and transformation to poorer communities in more than 100 countries.
The dangers officers like Benard may face include lions, crocodiles, scorpions, and gunfire. They must navigate risky airdrops and be winched out of isolated, conflict-ridden communities.
Once deployed they can be cut off from the world for two to three weeks, working in remote locations. They must be both physically and mentally fit as their own lives, and the lives of the people they serve, depend on it.
“The toughest part of the work is in managing the risks both for the people we serve, our staff and the aid we handle,” said Benard. The complexities of South Sudan’s conflict mean that community clashes can erupt at any time without warning.
Benard is supported by a team of logisticians, nutritionists, food monitors, safety and resilience officers and ICT personnel, all drawn from the national pool.
For Benard, the toughest challenge is the heartbreak he sees when he arrives at a destination village. “One woman could not contain herself and burst into tears sharing how she had run out of options for feeding her children. She had lost her husband in the war,” he said.
She boiled grass and other leaves for the children to eat. Occasionally, she would start a fire late in the evening to give the children the impression that something was being cooked, and in the process they would fall asleep.
Despite the dangers of the job, Benard hopes to continue doing what he is doing. “I am passionate about my work and hope I can continue to help South Sudan’s most vulnerable people,” he said.
Benard’s story, and the plight of those impacted by the Global Hunger Crisis are highlighted in a brand-new, downloadable recipe book published by World Vision UK.
The aim of the book is to give readers the chance to try recipes from countries including Vietnam, Nigeria, Syria, Nepal, and Brazil.
Mark Sheard, CEO of World Vision UK, says: “The book is full of tasty recipes for people to try, from Party Jollof Rice to bubble and squeak to a delicious Armenian honey cake.
“But alongside the colourful cookery is a stark warning about how Global Hunger Crisis is impacting the world’s most vulnerable families – and what World Vision is doing to support those families.
“There is enough food in the world to feed its entire population of 7.9 billion people. But one in nine goes hungry every day because of conflict, climate change and COVID-19.
“We are a global leader in providing nutrition within emergency, fragile and vulnerable contests. In the 10 years up to 2020 World Vision nutrition programmes saw almost half a million acutely malnourished children admitted into therapeutic programmes. More than 89 per cent recovered.
“I’d urge you to download this book and enjoy the recipes, but also learn how you can support World Vision and help end the Global Hunger Crisis.”
Written by: Jo Duckles
