Islamic Relief is distributing one foodpack every three months to 128,737 families in the Yemeni governorates of Sana’a, Dhamar, Hodeida and Mareb.
With each distribution, the families receive a total of 50 kilograms of wheat and five litres of vegetable oil.
Saleh Saleh lives in Mekhlaf Alassad in the district of Bani Matar with his wife and five children. He receives a regular foodpack from Islamic Relief and spoke to us about his life.
“I spend my day in working on farms near my area and sometimes I do construction work.
“Although I earn about eight dollars per day in farming, the work is seasonal, so I only usually have work for one week every month. As I am the only breadwinner in the family, when I don’t have work, I have to borrow money. Generally I don’t have enough work to earn enough money, so I borrow to stay afloat.
“I live in a brick house, but the roof is made from cane, and I share the house with my brother. In the rainy season, the house can be problematic- it leaks, and sometimes the roof falls down, which costs us $100 to fix.
“My children go to school and we are in good health, when we are sick we go to the nearest medical centre, but I can’t always afford the costs. When my son Ramzi (4) was hospitalised for fever for a month, I had to send him to the capital for treatment, which I could not afford.
“Our life now is much more difficult than five years ago- prices are increasing and finding a job is harder.
“I feel like I am always fighting for food- I feel dishonoured and worried all the time, but I am satisfied. People in my area are all in the same situation. We need better housing and more job opportunities.
“I don’t think there is much to be done about our situation, it will remain the same and I will live the same life of hardship.
“I hope that my children have a better life - and especially better housing.”