Concern Worldwide supporting people to lift themselves out of poverty in one of the world's hungriest countries - Central African Republic

In one of the worlds famine stricken nations an extensive strategy is being implemented to assist individuals with their fundamental and pressing requirements with the goal of enhancing the well being of 15,000 individuals and aiding them as they strive to break free, from poverty.

Empowering Lives in the Central African Republic: Concern’s Humanitarian Efforts

Since 2013 there has been a standing conflict in the Central African Republic (CAR). Although security conditions have gotten better in regions the ongoing violence against civilians and the impacts of climate change are forcing many individuals out of their homes. Resulting in one, out of every five individuals being displaced at present.

Out of a population of 5 million people in total 1 in every 4 individuals. That is around 50 percent. Face severe humanitarian challenges like scarcity of food and water as well, as inadequate shelter and protection.

Concern is a humanitarian group operating in Mobaye and Zangba in the Central African Republic to assist disadvantaged individuals who have had to flee their homes and the local communities that are providing them shelter by enhancing food security and providing better access, to water and sanitation services.

"The neighborhoods we engage with have faced challenges and are still enduring harassment from armed factions; however they show a strong willingness and great ability to enhance their own well being " shared Maud Biton, who serves as the Country Director for Concern in the Central African Republic. "They require assistance in the form of restored water sources seeds and education, in sustainable agriculture to empower them to embark on this initial journey."

Addressing Humanitarian Challenges in the Central African Republic

Enhancing individuals capacity to cultivate their own crops establish their own enterprises and access clean water and sanitation facilities not only benefits their personal well being but also contributes positively to the broader community.

With a grant of €1. 9 Million from the European Union a program run by Concern is aiding individuals with food aid during the lean period when obtaining enough food is particularly challenging. Additionally it is assisting individuals who have been displaced in constructing their dwellings and latrines with the use of local construction materials and financial support. As part of the initiative water sources are either being. Restored, providing benefits to, over 6 000 individuals.

One of the locals named Awaou Djibirilla has participated in the program mentioned above. As a single mother with six children to support and relying on hair braiding for income struggled to meet her needs. After joining the program year she has benefitted from food support as well as cash and seeds which allowed her to cultivate carrots and tomatoes in a communal field with other women, from her community. It has enabled her and the other women to expand the variety of meals their families enjoy and ensure they always have food when necessary.

"As a mother after losing my husband " Awaou shared " it's a challenge to support my children independently because the project has influenced both me and my kids positively and taught me agricultural skills that enable me to earn income, for our needs."

How Concern Worldwide Supports Displaced Families and Local Communities

Jean Pierre mentioned that he and his wife had already made arrangements to sell a portion of their harvest during the harvest season to cover their daughters education expenses.They plan to consume some of the produce and set aside the remainder for replanting in the year."

Life hasn't been easy for Tiyassi Joanette in the Central African Republic (CAR). Dealing with a disability from birth made it hard for her to secure a job in an area known for its focus on agriculture. Forcing her to depend on her mother for financial support instead. Despite these challenges as a resident of the community she resides in received assistance from Concern in the form of food supplies and seeds which enabled her to establish a small food enterprise with help, from her sisters. A shelter was constructed for Tiyassi and her four children as part of the program; they were also provided with cooking utensils so that they could move out of her mothers house.

"Tiyassi mentioned that her disability has presented challenges in her life; however participating in this program has opened up possibilities for her " she shared gratefully as she reflected on the positive impact of the shelter provided by Concern that allowed her to move out of her mothers home with her children and gain a sense of independence at a challenging stage, in life."I am determined to strive for a quality of life " Tiyassi affirmed with determination.

Concern has been involved in projects in the Central African Republic since 2014 focusing on emergency response and supporting development initiatives in sectors, like water supply and sanitation systems well as community health and agriculture programs.