Zainab doesn’t know exactly how old she is, but she knows she’s over 80. Her husband died several decades ago. Her family were farmers, living in a small town in northern Iraq, but they had to flee because of the conflict. ‘ISIS came to the village and we all fled,’ she says. ‘I don’t want to remember those times.’ Zainab’s home was destroyed.
No chance for comfort
Zainab misses her home. Life in the camp where she now lives is hard.
In summer it is too hot; in winter, too cold. Zainab can’t walk on her own, and doesn’t have a wheelchair, so she needs help to get anywhere.
The shared camp toilets are too far for her to get to, so she has to rely on two people carrying her to a nearby private spot.
‘I would rather go home and die than live here,’ says Zainab.
Dignity restored
Tearfund has supported vulnerable people like Zainab by building toilets for them to use. These provide comfort and dignity. We also built water tanks to help supply families with safe running water.
‘The new toilet is a good thing for me,’ says Zainab. ‘It feels good to know I will have a proper toilet close enough to use.’
Joining together in hope
Having to leave home was heartbreaking for Zainab.
Millions of people like her have had their lives turned upside down by conflict, and now live in camps without the most basic essentials. But you can help give them hope and dignity again.
Support Tearfund today and show people like Zainab that they’re not alone.
