'For the first time, I didn't need to sell my food assistance card.'

Thursday, April 28, 2016

For as long as 33-year-old Samar could remember, she’s always been the income provider for the family. When the Syria civil war started in 2011, Samar divorced her then-husband in order to bring the children over to Lebanon.

Now sitting in her new tiny flat in Anjar, a town that is only 15 minutes away from reaching the western point of the Syria border, she said she has no regrets being a single mum. Samar said, “From day one, I knew I wanted to take bring the children over. When I took them from my husband, even though it was difficult, it was the best decision because at least they’re now safe.”

When the family first moved to Anjar, rent alone was $132 (200,000 LBP) per month. Barely making ends meet with her part-time tutorial income of $6.60 ($10,000 LBP) per week, she was then forced to sell her monthly food assistance card to get cash while her son Housam started to work.  

Sitting quietly in a corner, one would have never guessed that 14-year-old Housam working since the age of twelve. From fixing windows to doing construction and electric work, there’s nothing that would scare Housam. His last job was working in a supermarket, where although the money was great, the owner was treating him poorly.

Housam said, “I used to earn $50 (75,000 LBP) per week working two shifts (9am – 1pm and 5pm to 9pm). The supermarket owner didn’t treat me very nice - he used to hit me when he was mad and kicked and slapped me when I was working. I would prefer to go to school but I’m needed to bring food home to the family. Now I’m the head of household. I’m happy!” Housam was in that job for nine months before the family moved to another area in Anjar. He’s now installing water pipes but earns only $20 per week, a significant decrease from his previous job.

Stressed and depressed, Samar didn’t know how she was going to be able to cover the monthly expenses. One day, she received news that World Vision will be giving her a cash grant provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand (MFAT).

Samar’s face lit up. She said, “I was so happy. I prayed and thanked God. I didn’t have any money and wasn’t able to work. When I got the cash, I immediately paid rent for the month and spent the rest repaying my debt to the neighbours. For once, I was able to pay the rent in full before the end of the month. I was so happy and I felt relaxed.”

For Samar, the best part, however, wasn’t just being able to pay the rent in full.

She said, “For the first time since being here, I didn’t need to sell my food assistance card! I actually used the card for food! I bought what the children wanted - chicken, rice, meat, fruits, bananas, apples and chips. I don’t remember the last time we had meat. We could only ever afford potatoes." 

As Samar was beaming with joy, Housam got up from the sofa, put on his shoes and said: “I have to work now, bye!” Watching Housam walked out the door, Samar couldn’t help but be proud. While she would prefer having her boy in school, she’s glad that her son helps shoulder her burden as she focuses on taking care the other children. 

Samar said: “If I knew which NGO was helping us, I would go and say thanks so much to them. I don’t know what to say because all the words in the world won’t be enough. Being a female head of household is difficult, but what can you do?”

Last month, the MFAT cash grant has stopped for the family. When asked how she’s been coping since, Samar looked away, paused, and said: “The truth is; I don’t think of the future. At least my children aren’t sick anymore from the high humidity level in the old flat – they are the most important thing to me.”

She continued, “I can’t do anything about the situation (referring to the war) but it makes me sad to know that Housam hasn’t gone to school for two years. My youngest son, Wissam, 5, is supposed to be in kindergarten but I can’t afford it. I would have needed an extra $300 per year to pay for transportation.”

Although the MFAT grant has given her a chance to breathe for a few months, it’s hard to predict what life holds ahead for this family. Trying to mask her sadness, she forces a smile before finally saying: “I’m now just waiting for you to leave so I can cry alone.”