APUA 3/2020

L IFE IS harsh in the poor rural areas of Eswatini. It is especially harsh for Thabile Matse, 16, who is taking care of not only her one-year-old child, but two younger brothers as well. They suffer from a constant shortage of food, as a result of which the family only eat one meal a day. “We often go hungry. When there is no food, I do not have the energy to clean, do laun- dry or play ball. I am exhausted when I am hungry,” Thabile says. CLIMATE CHANGE CAUSES SHORTAGE OF FOOD The most recent sufficient crop in Eswatini was in 2014. That is why 2,200 residents of Eswatini receive a monthly cash grant of 700 lilangeni, equivalent to roughly 38 euros, from the Red Cross. According to surveys by the Red Cross in Eswatini, the cash grant is most commonly used to buy groceries. Some families are able to stretch the grant to cover transportation, medical and school fees. Even though most people buy the same items they would get from the Red Cross food distribution service, many prefer the cash grant. “It builds confidence to be able to make in- dependent decisions concerning money. Many feel that their human dignity has been restored when they no longer have to ask neighbours for food,” says Finnish Red Cross aid worker Denise Avelino, who coordinates the programme. AID FOR THOSE MOST AT RISK The Red Cross uses the funds raised during Hunger Day to distribute food aid and cash grants to help families make it through rough times. The aid is given to those most in need, such as children, pregnant and breast-feed- ing mothers as well as elderly and disabled people. Thabile’s family is one of the beneficiaries. The Red Cross found Thabile when assessing the need for help in her poor home region suffering from drought. “With the help of the cash grant, we are able to eat three times a day. I am grateful for the help, because without it, we would have nothing to eat,” Thabile says. According to mothers in Eswatini, the single most important thing that the grant buys is peace of mind. “Knowing that children will be able to have breakfast before they go to school and go to sleep with their bellies full,” Nomcebo Mabuyakhulo says. ● VILLE PALONEN CASH GRANTS FOR GROCERY SHOPPING The Red Cross is helping families suffering from hunger in Eswatini. Brief in English With the help of cash grant, Thabile buys for example rice, beans, oil and soap. 10