Page 30 - PC Fall 2023

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Responding to the Hunger Crisis
FALL 2023
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PRESBYTERIAN
By Emma Clarke, PWS&D Communications
Climate change, conflict and oth- er factors have led to emergency levels of hunger in many coun- tries across the globe. In Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia, some 23 million people are without reliable access to food and water due to the ongoing severe drought.
Many people are also living in camps for refugees and internally displaced persons because con- flicts, such as those in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have forced thousands of families from their homes. South Sudan, Chad, DRC and the Central African Republic have received refugees—but these countries’ resources were already strained.
Recognizing the need to sup- port the world’s hungriest, PWS&D has been responding for many years in countries now acutely affected by this crisis.
Kenya
An ongoing drought in Kenya has
affected close to 90 percent of the population. Farmers’ crops have failed to grow on the parched land, leaving even more people food insecure amid elevated mar- ket prices. A sad consequence— many are concerned about an in- crease in gender-based violence and early marriage due to the economic hardships.
PWS&D has been supporting food security work in Kenya for many years. This spring, help was mobilized through the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund at Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Three months’ worth of food baskets served the needs of 2,006 vulnerable households, with special attention to women and girls, elderly people and those living with disabilities.
Somalia
The situation in Somalia has ap- proached famine-like conditions: 1.8 million people have been dis- placed over the past year, primar- ily coming to camps in search of food and humanitarian aid. Sadly,
40 percent of Somalia’s popula- tion is currently listed as severely food insecure—with more people facing that reality every day.
Abdi, his three-year-old sibling, and his parents were forced to leave their home due to severe drought. “We spent two days and one night on the road in a donkey cart before arriving [at the Jazira Internally Displaced Persons camp],” reflects Abdi’s mother, Gabey. “The drought and displacement left us with no food to eat and no source of income.”
At 11 months old, Abdi was particularly vulnerable to malnu- trition. When a nutrition worker visited the camp, Abdi was se- lected to participate in a thera- peutic food program supported by PWS&D. His health has now improved, and Abdi spends his days playing with those around him with childlike joy.
“I feel so much better and calmer now that he is better than before,” reflects Gabey.
PWS&D is continuing a re- sponse in Somalia that provides
integrated health and nutrition services, some of which are mo- bile to meet the needs of those in rural areas. The project aims to improve the nutrition of the most vulnerable population, particu- larly children under five years of age and pregnant and lactating women, through therapeutic feed- ing, nutritional training and food baskets. The program has served over 22,000 people.
South Sudan
South Sudan is facing its high- est levels of food insecurity and malnutrition since its independ- ence 11 years ago. With this year’s lean season, from May to September, the worst on record, 9.4 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance by the end of 2023.
A current response by PWS&D’s partner Tearfund Can- ada is assisting 1,200 house- holds, primarily female-headed, by providing a series of four food vouchers intended to get families to the next harvest.
Now healthier after receiving therapeutic supplemental feeding, 11-month-old Abdi plays with his mother. PHOTO CREDIT: TROCAIRE.
Respond with us
PWS&D and other humanitar- ian organizations are relentlessly serving people in need in these and other East African countries. From May 1 to June 30, PWS&D participated in a Humanitarian Co- alition appeal through our mem- bership at Canadian Foodgrains Bank. Funds received through this appeal were matched by the Gov- ernment of Canada to make the support go even further.
However, as political instabil- ity and hostile weather conditions continue, even more humanitar- ian help is needed. Respond with us by supporting PWS&D’s on- going work. Visit WeRespond.ca/ Hunger-Crisis-in-East-Africa to learn more.
Falak and his two young kids stand- ing in front of their temporary shel- ter. PHOTO: CWSA.
slowly picking up pace, Falak can finally start thinking about rebuild- ing his collapsed home.
PRESBYTERIAN WORLD SERVICE & DEVELOPMENT
Falak Remained Hopeful Despite Hardship
portunities due to his disability, he apprenticed himself to a mas- ter weaver specializing in wooden bedsteads called charpoys. For years, he enjoyed steady work and income until the floods of 2022 devastated the region, de- stroying homes and the local economy, leaving Falak and other weavers without customers for their goods.
Between June and August 2022, severe rains and flash floods deeply affected over 5.7 million people in Pakistan. Farm- land was ruined, and homes and schools were destroyed, necessi- tating urgent water, sanitation and health services.
During this challenging time, Falak and his family relied on the kindness of a landlord for one meal a day. Falak would often sacrifice his own food to ensure his young son and nursing wife were fed.
Eventually, work began to trickle in. However, due to his dis-
ability, Falak faced the additional expense of hiring a motorbike taxi to commute to the work site. But Falak never gave up.
Then in January 2023, through Community World Service Asia with the support of PWS&D and Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Falak received the first instalment of cash assistance for food.
With the cash, Falak purchased
food rations for his family. He had a full meal for the first time in four months and continued to do so for the following months.
Being a talented craftsman, Falak had not lost hope, which paid off. In February, he worked on the netting for twelve char- poys. The cash from the food aid strengthened his hope and ability to provide for his family. With work
Pakistan Floods: One year later
Working with Community World Service Asia in Pakistan, PWS&D implemented over $1 million in programming to assist 45,624 people like Falak and his family. Support included monthly cash assistance for food needs, access to medical facilities, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives to combat the serious increased risk of water-borne illness.
A year later, PWS&D continues to assist those severely affected by and struggling to recover from the floods. In Mirpur Khas district, one of the hardest-hit areas in Sindh province, homes were destroyed, families displaced, crops washed away, livestock lost and livelihoods affected. A food assistance project is ongoing, allowing 3,100 families to receive three monthly cash transfers for food and essential needs.
Through your generous support, families and individuals in Pakistan have food in times of adversity and are rebuilding their homes and livelihoods after the floods. Thank you!
As a trained weaver, Falak special- izes in crafting wooden bedsteads. PHOTO: CWSA.
By Stephanie Chunoo, PWS&D Communications
Falak Sher, a determined indi- vidual from Mehr Veesar village in Pakistan, aspired to join the army but faced a setback when a poorly set bone left him bed- ridden for five years. Despite his dreams fading, he continued his education.
Unable to find suitable job op-