Financial aid revitalises drought-affected households' hopes

Hindiya, a mother recognised for her bright smile and persistent energy, remains a source of hope for her family despite confronting enormous hardships.

Hindiya’s experience highlights the challenges faced by several Ethiopian mothers alongside the ground-breaking Joint Emergency Operation Programme (JEOP) Cash Assistance, a USAID food and cash aid programme, provides relief to individuals in conflict and drought-affected areas.

Hindiya's days were spent with the daily struggles of getting food on the table. "In the past," she recalls with a mournful tone, "My husband and I used to work together as daily labourers. Every day was a challenge, but we managed to feed our five sons and send them to school. But my husband's illness abruptly changed everything." Hindiya is currently the only breadwinner in her family, hence she is responsible for all domestic responsibilities. The additional responsibility made it even more difficult for her to deal with her children, who had dropped out of school, and make ends meet.

In May 2024, a ray of hope arose when the JEOP announced a monetary relief project that distributed around USD 5.7 million (ETB 323 million) to 11 districts in the Oromia and Tigray regions. The key action brought vital relief to families like Hindiya's, alleviating immediate food shortages and financial stress.

The cash assistance provided more than simply financial assistance. It allows families to meet their specific requirements while still investing in their future. "This money will provide the assistance we need. We can now buy food, and I'll have more time to care for my husband," Hindiya says. The JEOP's monetary relief project has significantly improved the lives of people afflicted by drought and conflict. It helped people like Hindiya overcome terrible circumstances by rebuilding their lives and livelihoods. One such case is Sisay, a 16-year-old girl who was formerly happy and carefree before her father died. She was overwhelmed with a variety of responsibilities, including caring for her newborn baby brother. Sisay had to drop out of school as she was working.

When the JEOP's cash support programme was inaugurated in May 2024, it enabled Sisay's mother to not only satisfy their family's food needs but also to start a small food business at home, allowing Sisay to return to school.

Sisay is determined to catch up and follow her dream of becoming an architect, even if that means starting in first grade.

The JEOP Cash distribution programme has benefitted 190,807 people, including about 88,535 children. This programme allowed families to satisfy their basic requirements, invest in their futures, and provide for their children's food, clothing, and education.

By Feven Gutu, Communications Specialist (WASH), World Vision Ethiopia