Dalmaro Hussien Osman, a 35-year-old disabled mother of five, has faced immense hardship in recent years. After losing her farmland, livestock, and crops due to consecutive droughts and conflict in her home village of Bilile, Dalmaro and her family were forced to flee to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Diinsoor district insearch of aid and a better life.
“We have been affected by a drought and insecurity that continued for over four years, displacing us from our residence to an IDP camp,” Dalmaro recounts. “Life was difficult during the drought seasons in Bilile and the first days in the IDP camp. We used to stay days without a single meal. My children cried, and I was unable to provide for them.” Said Dalmaro
When Dalmaro’s family arrived at the Bilile-1 IDP camp, they faced immense challenges, including a lack of food, water, and proper shelter.However, their dire situation soon changed when Dalmaro was identified by GREDO, a humanitarian organization implementing the USAID-funded BHA-III project, as one of the most vulnerable families in the camp.
“I was a member of those who have benefited from GREDO’s multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) program,” Dalmaro says gratefully. “When I received the first cash assistance of $120 USD, it made me capable to manage my family’s basic needs and buy household essentials,including food and nonfood items. I also bought clothes for my children who had no clothes, and I was able to pay off some debts.” She added.
“THANKS TO GREDO, NOW I CAN PROVIDE TWO MEALS DAILY FOR MY CHILDREN”- Dalmaro Hussein.
The MPCA support proved to be a lifeline for Dalmaro and her family. Not only did it allow her to provide two meals a day for her children, but it also enabled her to purchase two milky goats, which provided a sustainable source of nutrition.
“I am a disabled mother, and I am not able to work and cover my family’s needs,” Dalmaro explains. “But the GREDO cash assistance has changed our lives. Now I can provide milk for my children, and I am exploring ways to increase my goat herd to create a more resilient livelihood.”
Dalmaro’s story is a testament to the impact of GREDO’s integrated approach, which combines cash assistance, health, nutrition, and livelihoods support to help the most vulnerable families in Diinsoor district. By providing this lifesaving aid, GREDO has not only helped Dalmaro and her family but also empowered them to build a more sustainable future.
“I thank GREDO and its partners for supporting us,” Dalmaro says with gratitude. “Now I can provide two meals
daily for my children, and I have a plan to expand my small-scale goat farming business. GREDO has truly changed the
trajectory of my family’s life.” Said Dalmaro