Zimbabwe's Binga district is grappling with the effects of the worst drought the country has seen in decades, leaving rivers dry and livestock dead. For many families, daily survival hangs between despair and hope as support from the Red Cross brings immediate relief. "This food keeps us alive," notes Esnathi Mudhimba, who, at 67, is caring for her sick grandson.
To combat the rampant hunger affecting children’s education, the Red Cross is implementing the School Feeding Program, serving over 12,000 students from 11 primary schools with nutritious porridge made from maize and soy. This initiative not only nourishes the children but enhances school attendance and concentration. "We’ve seen remarkable improvements: attendance has increased, dropouts have decreased, and kids are much more attentive in class. It really changes their lives," says Siasundu, a teacher at one of the participating schools.
Supported by financial allocations from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the program adheres to dietary guidelines set by UNICEF and the World Food Programme. It aims to provide sustenance to students, ensuring they receive the nutrients necessary for their growth and educational success.
Simultaneously, the Red Cross is assisting vulnerable families with food aid. Mudhimba’s family, for example, benefits from receiving 10 kilograms of maize flour per person, proving to be their lifeline. "I don't know what we would have done without this support," she emphasizes, recalling her previous struggles to sell baobab fruit.
This assistance extends to more than 3,400 individuals across the regions affected by severe food insecurity. The dependency on these programs is evident, as many individuals, like Mónica Mpande, express their hopes for rebuilding their lives: "With this food aid, I can save some money to buy books for my children. It gives me hope to overcome this situation."
The Red Cross is also implementing measures for long-term resilience against future droughts. Efforts include rehabilitating wells and installing solar-powered water points to improve access to drinking water and programs to manage livestock health.
On another front, the SEPE (Public State Employment Service) is introducing new financial assistance for those who have exhausted unemployment benefits. Starting from November 2024, eligible job seekers can receive up to 570 euros per month for up to 30 months, which helps cover the gap for those forced to leave the workforce. Previously, many individuals ran out of contributory unemployment benefits without additional aids available to them.
This new subsidy, detailed under Royal Decree 2/2024, signifies the amalgamation of various support systems, aiming to simplify access to aid for singles and families, regardless of age, provided specific criteria are met. Applicants must have exhausted their unemployment benefits, be registered as completely unemployed, and undertake to seek employment actively.
Eligibility depends on several factors, including age and family responsibilities, with monthly income limitations set at 75% of the minimum interprofessional salary (SMI), currently 850.5 euros. For those without family responsibilities, the subsidy duration is capped at six months, whereas families can receive aid for up to 30 months based on the consumption of past unemployment benefits.
Canares’ housing crisis has also escalated, with nearly 5,500 residents losing their housing assistance after funding ran out. A resolution published by the Canary Institute of Housing (Icavi) highlighted the plight of applicants left without support. Out of 19,381 requests, 5,428 individuals remain on waiting lists devoid of aid, as they were unable to secure funding from the allocated budget of 37.4 million euros for rental assistance.
This shortfall reveals the urgency of adequate funding within social support systems, especially since many applicants are low-income families or individuals with vulnerable situations, including victims of terrorism or individuals with disabilities. The housing aid covers up to 50% of rental costs, with limits varying based on individual circumstances.
Overall, these various financial aid initiatives across different regions signify broader efforts to address immediate needs and promote resilience within communities. They underline how effective assistance can pivot vulnerable families toward stability and security.