Resilience beyond reductions: Sharqawi's family hope amidst challenges

Sharqawi's journey unfolds alongside his 12 family members, a narrative echoing the resilience of Syrian refugees facing the challenges of displacement since early 2013 in the Zaatari camp. As a testament to evolving support, Sharqawi reflects on the inception of WFP assistance as a lifeline that began with distributing ready-to-eat meals and transformed into monthly cash assistance, empowering families to choose and purchase preferred food items, including freshly baked bread from WFP-contracted shops.

Amidst the recent reductions in WFP's monthly food assistance in August 2023 due to severe funding shortages, Sharqawi's family faces a pivotal challenge. Previously capable of procuring meat and chickens, they now navigate a landscape of limited resources, accumulating debt to meet basic necessities.

Community Leadership: Shaqawi's Role as a "Social Counselor"

Sharqawi, drawing from his background in Syrian agriculture, sought employment to supplement the family's income. While he encountered challenges in securing consistent work, he did manage to work for a few weeks during the summer in agricultural lands near the camp. However, winter poses substantial difficulties for finding employment.

Despite facing challenges in finding steady work, he embraced a vital role within the community, earning an unofficial title where people have known him as a "social counsellor" for mediating conflicts—a role he takes pride in, though unpaid. "I may not have monetary value to offer, but being known as a 'social counselor' within my community brings me immense pride," Sharqawi said. "It makes me feel useful and not entirely burdened by our circumstances."

Fears and Hopes: A Father's Concern for the Future

The weight of responsibility on Sharqawi's shoulders intensifies during harsh winters, where daily life demands more in terms of food, heating, and clothing. Due to his financial difficulties, he reluctantly borrows money from neighbours out of a fear that he won't be able to pay it back, which feeds an uncertain cycle.

"I fear falling ill one day and leaving my family without support," Sharqawi shares. "Organizations like WFP are crucial for our sustenance." Grappling with reduced assistance, his biggest dream is now a humble yet profound one: "to keep feeding my children."

The altered landscape of their daily lives becomes evident in their food intake and the sacrifices made to ensure the children are adequately fed. The assistance reduction compelled Sharqawi to withdraw two of his children from school, engaging in odd jobs within the camp to supplement the family's income.

As of August 2023, WFP's monthly cash assistance to Syrian refugees in camps has faced unprecedented reductions due to funding shortfalls. Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, Sharqawi perseveres thanks to donors like KSrelief, whose consistent donations act as a lifeline for the people of the camp.