Before this assistance, I worried every day about how I would feed my children. Now, I can focus on working without the fear of going to bed hungry. This support has given me hope and dignity.
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Sithandazile Mabhena speaks about the Scottish Government funded emergency drought response project, from which she has benefitted.
She has four children and also looks after her two nieces. Sithandazile was able to exchange the food vouchers she received for things like sugar beans and cooking oil.
Zimbabwe faced its worst drought in 40 years in 2024. This has led to a food crisis like never before. Thanks to funding from the Humanitarian Emergency Fund (£175,000), our partner Zimbabwe Council of Churches has been distributing vouchers which can be exchanged for essential food items.
Additional funding from Christian Aid (£50,000) has helped restore 21 water boreholes ensuring access to fresh water and it has also supported people to diversify their livelihoods.
People in Sudan are in crisis. We cannot allow them to be forgotten.
The project has also sought to reduce gender-based violence in the community by improving access to information and support services.
The funding supported more than 600 households, targeting the most vulnerable members of the community for assistance. Phelele Ncube, a 77-year-old grandmother, in Mangubo village says this means she can make meals for her two grandchildren and is hugely grateful:
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Hunger is painful, especially when you have children looking up to you for food. At my age, I can’t work, but this support has given me peace of mind, knowing my grandchildren will eat. I only pray this program continues, because it is a lifeline for people like us.
One important element of the project, which has benefitted the whole community, has been the repair of water boreholes.
This means people, especially women and girls, don’t have to spend so much time walking long distances to collect water. This time saving has a positive impact not only for women themselves but for the whole family.
Thanks to the Scottish Government Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF), Christian Aid and partners are able to deliver urgent support to some of our most vulnerable global neighbours.
We truly appreciate the support of the Humanitarian Emergency Fund for this life saving intervention in the Bulilima District of Zimbabwe. Not only have more than 600 families been able to access essential food items, but the wellbeing and resilience of the community has been boosted.
