Golahun Perri Village, Sierra Leone – In the face of economic hardships and food insecurity, a glimmer of hope has emerged for Fatmata Manjiagbe, Jebbeh Bordoh, Jibba Kamara, and thousands of other struggling families in Pujehun, Port Loko, and Tonkolili districts. Thanks to the generous support of USAID, over 42,000 food insecure individuals have been provided by World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Ministry of Social Welfare with much-needed cash assistance to weather the challenges of the lean season.
36-year-old Fatmata Manjiagbe, a resilient widow and mother of five, has been the pillar of strength for her family in Golahun Perri village. She supports her household by selling her farm produce, but with money becoming increasingly scarce, she had to make tough decisions to ensure her family’s survival.
“In times like this when money is hard to get, I had to reduce the number of cups of rice that I cook for the family,” she says, her determination evident in her voice.
However, Fatmata’s worries eased when she received cash assistance from USAID’s emergency cash support program. “Without this money, I would have had to borrow at high cost to meet the food needs of my family,” said Fatmata, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “The support came at the right time when most families face food crisis amidst heightened inflation.”
Across the village, Jebbeh Bordoh, another widow with two grown-up children who seldom show concern, has been struggling to make ends meet with her income from farming. Recently, she found herself surviving on earnings from breaking palm kennel nuts.
Upon receiving the cash support, Jebbeh’s face lit up with joy as she delicately flicked the money notes between her fingers. “This help could not have come at a better time,” she expressed, a sense of relief washing over her.
Meanwhile, Jibba Kamara, who shoulders the responsibility of caring for his ailing wife, has been facing immense financial strain. The scarcity of work during the rainy season has exacerbated his struggles to provide for his family.
“Determining how to afford medicine and food for my family has been a constant worry,” says Jibba, his eyes reflecting the weight he carries.
Thanks to the cash assistance received, Jibba can now ease some of his burdens and concentrate on the well-being of his loved ones. The funds he received will go towards purchasing medicine and ensuring his family’s food needs are met during this challenging time.
The USAID funded emergency cash support program aims to cushion the impact of the lean season on food insecure families, providing them with the means to secure food and essential supplies without falling into crippling debt.
The lives of Fatmata, Jebbeh, Jibba, and thousands more have been touched by this lifeline, enabling them to find hope and strength during these difficult times. With every dollar, they receive a step towards resilience, proving the power of compassion and assistance in the face of adversity.
As the program continues to make a positive impact, it highlights the significance of humanitarian efforts and encourages a collective responsibility to support those most in need. It is through these acts of kindness that communities can emerge stronger and more united, creating a better future for all.
