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As temperatures edge into the forties and the heavy layer of harmattan dust begins to give way to mounting humidity, memories of the flood of September 1, 2009 have dimmed. For many thousands of people in Ouagadougou, however, the aftermath remains a daily reality. One of the neighbourhoods largely destroyed in the flood, was visited by SIM and the local SIM-related church. 

 

The local church has identified the neediest families in the neighbourhood and in partnership with another organization, Burkina Faso Outreach, SIM is helping with reconstruction, providing food-aid, and assisting with school fees for a number of families. Other than assistance from Compassion International, this neighbourhood has received very little overseas assistance and remains for the most part, in ruins.

 

SIM is on a resettlement site in Yagma, an area where many lost their homes. When SIM visited in December there were a hundred or more new arrivals living in makeshift shelters made of sacks of cement and grass mats. Yagma is now a growing community of several thousand, mostly living in temporary shelters, but with many in the process of erecting permanent structures on the small building lots allocated to them. Several wells have been drilled and water is being trucked in for construction. The Red Cross has been especially impressive in the scale and quality of their involvement in this town.

 

With the help of a few of the newly settled local residents, SIM have been able to identify and begin meeting with small groups of widows, about 160 women in total, to help them find new means of income generation and providing for their children. SIM has arranged micro-credit loans through a small local Christian credit agency for thirty women to start or expand small businesses. A small soap-making business for another group of 10 was also financed.

 

A recently conducted survey has identified the most critical needs. The rains are due and many people are still without viable shelter. With the assistance of women from AFEC (the women’s group of the SIM-related church), SIM hosted a meal for those identified as most in need and provided gifts of food and basic necessities. It is anticipated that this group of Christian women will continue to minister to those women in most need.
 
Please continue to pray for wisdom for us and the churches as we identify needs and seek to respond to them  Pray for wisdom regarding rebuilding and as we seek to identify and help those most vulnerable and needy.

 

Your gifts are welcome and needed.

 

Please give to the Burkina Faso Flood Relief BF 93918.