A Father’s Struggle and Hope Despite Disability and Conflict
Supporting Families in Crisis through cash assistance
- English
- العربية
Mohammed Ali, a 37-year-old resident of Dhamar, Yemen, is one of millions of people grappling with the effects of the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. Despite his disability, Mohammed works as a driver and occasionally as a farmhand to support his large family of seven children.
“As you know, income is unstable these days. Sometimes I find work, and sometimes I don’t. I can only rely on God’s providence today,” he explains.
The Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) Project, implemented by UNICEF and the Social Fund for Development (SFD), has been a lifeline for Mohammed and his family. Although the payments have sometimes been delayed due to the escalation of hostilities, they remain the most stable source of income for his family.
Yemen has one of the highest unemployment and poverty rates in the world, with more than 48% of the Yemeni population live in multidimensional poverty[1]. For millions like Mohammed and their children, the UCT project has become an ultimate lifeline in the face of uncertainty.
[1] Multidimensional poverty headcount: Population with a deprivation score of at least 33.3 percent.
“What keeps us going is our children and hope for their future,” says Mohammed, the father of seven.
“That is why I was very happy that this project was launched at the beginning of the school year. I used the money to buy books, school supplies, and uniforms for my children. I know that they will grow, get an education, become successful people, and build a better future for our country,” he adds, hopefully.
UNICEF/UNI647397/UNICEF/YPN
The story of Mohammed and his family, along with many other Yemenis who benefit from the UCT project and other initiatives by UNICEF, SFD, their partners, and donors, exemplifies how stable assistance and support can make a significant difference. These programs provide essential support, offering hope and stability in turbulent times.
Funded by the World Bank, UNICEF, in partnership with the Social Fund for Development (SFD) provides cash assistance to over 1.4 million vulnerable families in Yemen. The Unconditional Cash Transfer project, which has been implemented since 2017, reaches more than 9 million people, including women, children, disabled, Internally Displaced Persons and the elderly.
The story is based on an interview conducted in 2023. The new payment cycle is set to start on week 3 of September 2024.
