I would like to convey our sincere gratitude to all who are standing by our side at this trying moment, and by the side of tens of thousands of children and families who are going through the effects of drought in my country, Ethiopia.
The humanitarian situation induced by the shortage of rains for consecutive seasons has affected 4.5 million people in Ethiopia. Some of the affected families are in ChildFund’s operational areas.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and donors around the world, we have been able to provide emergency food items for close to 17,000 people in Siraro district, which is contributing to the life-saving efforts. “I will no longer have to sell my things to feed my family because of the timely assistance of ChildFund,” one father, Shabadir, told us.
ChildFund’s support in Ethiopia has not only been the provision of emergency relief items, but also our long-term programs in the area of health and nutrition, provision of water and sanitation, psychosocial support, education and economic strengthening. We will continue collaborating with the government, the community and other partners to identify needs and provide assistance.
We are now in the middle of the main rainy season in Ethiopia. The rain comes intermittently in some areas. But we need to realise that the rains now, which are patchy, cannot immediately produce food. We have to wait until after November or December to know their impact, during which time a post-harvest assessment will be conducted.
ChildFund distributing essentials in Ethiopia
In the meantime, the food shortage is expected to continue and ChildFund will help support families to make it through to the next harvest. “I am very happy to take this food home to my children,” Jamela, a mother of six children, told us, “but my prayer is that the rain will continue and my harvest will be ready in November.”
Again, I would like to thank all our supporters and partners who have enabled us to respond to the needs in affected communities. I do not have the slightest doubt that we, together, will save the lives of thousands of children and their families, and will also help to save their livelihoods and make a difference in their future endeavours.
