How cash grants restore dignity: a Christian response to crisis

Stories of transformation from Haiti

As part of our coronavirus prevention work in Haiti, we’re working alongside our local partner, Christian Community in Action Foundation (FOKA), to give cash grants to families in need. These families have been referred through local churches and partners.

Celimene* is a mother of eight who was in debt from school fees – trying to ensure her children had the opportunity to better themselves.

‘When I received the money, it was very helpful, because I did not have one gourde (one pound) left and I owed some money… I paid school fees and put the remainder in the business.’

Filo* is 62. He had to stop working once he became blind, and was worried about how he would provide for his family. ‘This money helped me a lot, because I am in a very difficult situation. That is why I think this is a good programme,’ he shares.

He’s also shared what little he has left over with other people in his community who are struggling: ‘I bought food with the money because I didn’t have any and I shared with other people. When you have what you need, share with other people because when you don’t have any, they are the ones who will give to you.’

Clanise* is in her eighties. All of her eight children are grown up, and rely on their work in the fields to earn money to survive. ‘Our survival in the family depends on our work in the field,’ she says. ‘The land does not produce much these days, we can spend two days without anything to eat.

‘This support represents a lot for us, and for me particularly it has helped me solve a lot of problems,’ shares Clanise.

Alongside these cash grants, Tearfund and FOKA have worked together to provide the families with tippy taps. These taps are made from several sticks, string and a container for water and are operated with a simple foot lever. It means that families can keep themselves safe from coronavirus and waterborne diseases such as cholera.

‘Since they built the tippy tap at the house, the children always wash their hands when they return home. Myself, I use it very often,’ says Celimene.

Finding freedom

Haiti is just one of the countries we’re working in where cash grants are making a huge difference in people’s lives. It’s not just giving them the power to invest in what they need to lift themselves out of poverty, but it’s making people feel valued, supported and empowered. And that makes all the difference.

‘We are so blessed to come alongside people like Celimene, Clanise and Filo to help them find their own solution to break free from poverty and to reach their God-given potential,’ shares Marc.

Please pray

A prayer for human dignity

God of all life,

We thank you that you have created every human being in your image – every person to be respected, cherished, loved and a reflection of your holiness.

We are sorry for where we have treated others any less than this. Lord, show us how we can give greater dignity to others – how we can share our time, resources, words and actions to show your love to others and help them reach their God-given potential.

For your glory, amen.

*Names changed to protect identities