UNICEF and WFP support vulnerable families in Homs, Syria through joint e-voucher programme
3,000 families of the children registered in the UNICEF-supported Curriculum B programme are able to purchase food and hygiene items on monthly basis.
The recent global spread of COVID-19 and resulting restrictions as well as inflation and loss of purchasing power have compounded the needs of already-vulnerable families across Syria. Many lost their jobs while being faced with increasing requirements for protection against coronavirus.
To help ease the financial burden on families, UNICEF joined an existing programme by the World Food Programme (WFP) since late 2019, supporting vulnerable families in Syria through the provision of electronic vouchers, redeemable at pre-selected shops to purchase food items. The new contribution by UNICEF now allows families to also purchase cleaning and personal hygiene items to help protect themselves against the virus without adding to their financial liabilities.
In the governorate of Homs, 3,000 families were able to purchase food and hygiene items on monthly basis. These families are the families of the children who are registered in the UNICEF-supported Curriculum B programme.
The e-vouchers give families flexibility in choosing the items they need while maintaining their dignity and freedom of choice. They also help support the local economy by creating demand for food and non-food items.