Ethiopia: “My Children Saved From Death”
-"I am a widow and have three boys and one daughter. All my children are under 10 years of age. My husband died about 3 years ago. Since then, I've been taking care of my children alone. Since I have just a very small piece of land and no other income, I was unable to meet the basic needs of my family. To save my children's life, I started to prepare a traditional alcoholic drink called "areke". With the money I got from that, I used to buy food grains and other necessary commodities for my children. Last autumn, which was the pick of the hunger season in the area, my income decreased very much and life became more challenging to me. We faced a terrible food-shortage and my children reached the verge of death. My neighbours tried to share with me of what they have had - but it was not enough and I was so afraid my children would die of hunger. While we were awaiting death - praise God! - Dorcas Aid together with Meserete Kristos Church started a food-relief project in our area. I was selected as beneficiary of the project - and so I received 60 kilograms of grain every month for three months. I also received 4 kilograms supplementary food for my little daughter.
Her name is Alemitu and she is 40 years old. She continues:
-"Now, we have escaped death and my children have put on some weight. They now are playing with their friends. I thank Dorcas and praise Him for having sent Dorcas and Meserete Kristos Church here to help us!"
Alemitu lives in the district of Jeldu in Ethiopia where Dorcas with its local partner organisation provided emergency food assistance in the fall of 2008.
In 2008, Dorcas Aid International provided 4,7 million meals in emergencies.
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