Forced to move: Communities stand together across Benin

Sounds like home: One year after the earthquake, rebuilding lives and livelihoods

A place to transform lives: Inside the Egyptian Red Crescent’s Zeinhom Community Centre

Tailoring a new future: Finding a path back to security and dignity through hard work, sewing and brightly coloured clothing.

Alliance for the Amazon: IFRC and TNC present a 10-year commitment to strengthen community resilience and climate adaptation

Belém do Pará/Panama City/Geneva, 15 November -The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) unveiled the Alliance for the Amazon’s ten-year program (2025–2035), focused on disaster risk reduction and climate resilience through the deployment of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) across the Amazon rainforest.During a joint event at COP30 in Brazil, the two organizations issued a call to raise the first 10 million Swiss francs (approximately 12 million USD) to launch the initial phase of this program, which aims to strengthen the resilience of Amazonian communities threatened by wildfires, droughts, floods, extreme temperatures, socioeconomic complexities, and displacement—combining humanitarian action and environmental science to protect both people and nature.Created nearly a year ago, the Alliance for the Amazon is a long-term, collective effort that brings together communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and organizations committed to safeguarding the Amazon. Convened by the IFRC as a network rooted in local presence and regional leadership, the Alliance unites knowledge, resources, and partnerships to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Amazon, especially fostering partnerships between humanitarian, environmental, and development sectorsOver the past year, the IFRC has led a series of Amazonian Knowledge System Dialogues in Bolivia and Colombia, gathering hundreds of community leaders, scientists, and Red Cross teams to co-design locally led solutions. These dialogues, along with joint analyses carried out with expert organizations, such as TNC, have informed a new regional program framework and pilot projects focused on ecosystem restoration, climate-smart agriculture, and community health.“The Alliance for the Amazon embodies the Red Cross spirit of humanity, trust and localization,” said Loyce Pace, IFRC Regional Director for the Americas. “Together with partners, we are mobilizing to protect communities facing wildfires, droughts, floods, and climate displacement. Our goal is not only to anticipate and respond to disasters and health crises—but to help people thrive amid a changing climate.”The Alliance for the Amazon is structured around three strategic pillars that guide its long-term action and embed Locally Led Adaptation. The first focuses on risk management and anticipatory climate action, emphasizing local preparedness, inclusive local governance, and effective early warning systems. The second centers on sustainable and resilient livelihoods, supporting nature-based solutions, green economies, and food sovereignty. The third pillar promotes integral health and community well-being, connecting physical, mental, and spiritual health with environmental stewardship.“This partnership brings the best of humanitarian and developmental action together with environmental science to support those who safeguard the Amazon every day,” said Clare Shakya, TNC's Global Climate Managing Director at The Nature Conservancy (TNC). “By restoring ecosystems, strengthening community leadership, investing in nature-based solutions, and addressing structural inequities in adaptation finance systems, the Alliance can support Amazon communities adapt and thrive, while protecting its biodiversity, and the climate systems we all depend on.” Organizations, governments, corporations, and Indigenous Peoples and communities interested in contributing to this initiative are invited to join the Alliance and collaborate in advancing climate resilience and humanitarian and developmental action across the Amazon.With the active participation of National Red Cross Societies across the nine Amazonian countries, in partnership with TNC and other actors working in key areas of the basin, the Alliance seeks to reach 4 million people over the next decade. Its approach centers on local leadership, intercultural dialogue, and long-term partnerships—key ingredients for addressing one of the most complex humanitarian and environmental challenges of our time.For more information and to set up an interview, please contact: [email protected] Panama: María Victoria Langman, +507 6550 1090In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367

Alliance for the Amazon: For a resilient and sustainable future

Protecting the Amazonian cocoa: innovation, science and early warning from the Ecuadorian Red Cross

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, where the rainforest is integrated into every aspect of life and culture, cacao is more than just a crop; it is a source of sustenance and a tradition.Ecuador is the world's third-largest exporter of fine aroma cocoa, a product that sweetens our palates, drives the local economy, and supports thousands of families in the Zamora Chinchipe region of the Amazon, near the border with Peru.However, cocoa crops are under threat from climate change and phenomena such as El Niño. In major cocoa-exporting countries such as Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire, extreme rainfall and prolonged droughts have led to the emergence of pests that have wiped out entire plantations.When plantations are lost, chocolate production declines, poverty increases, and food security is compromised. In this multi-threat scenario, timely information and anticipation can mean the difference between losing or saving a crop.To protect cocoa in the Amazon rainforest, two young volunteers from the Ecuadorian Red Cross branch in Zamora Chinchipe have combined science, innovation and local knowledge to design an Early Warning System to help cocoa-growing families anticipate risks and plan preventive actions.One of the two young women who promoted this initiative is Josselyn Balcázar. She is very clear about the problems facing cocoa-producing communities:‘The problem we identified is the vulnerability of cocoa producers due to the empirical management of their plantations, which does not take into account meteorological measurements in the context of climate change impacts,’ she explains.Technology to the rescue of cocoaThis Early Warning System is called SATHEOBROMA, which refers to theobroma, the scientific name for the cocoa plant. The project was launched in 2023 thanks to the Limitless programme of the Solferino Academy.‘It is a mini weather station that records precipitation, temperature, humidity and other variables daily. This information helps producers to understand when pests are likely to appear, enabling them to take appropriate measures and avoid losing their crops,’ explains Verónica Andrade, national climate change adaptation technician at the Ecuadorian Red Cross.The information is analysed to detect conditions that favour the proliferation of pests such as the well-known monilia, which can destroy entire plantations.While the initiative cannot stop the rains or prevent droughts, it does enable action to be taken before the problem escalates into a disaster. Producers receive alerts so they can act quickly and prevent losses from spreading.‘It's crucial to bring this technology to the field because without local information, we can't prevent problems,’ says Oswaldo Castillo, a Shuar cocoa technician.‘This is a very important initiative so that we can take timely action and avoid low yields,’ says Bolívar Flores, a local producer.A pilot version of the system was installed on one farm to demonstrate its functionality, before being expanded to two more farms. The Ecuadorian Red Cross plans to roll it out more widely in future to benefit additional cocoa-producing communities in the area.The initiative has even caught the interest of local institutions.'With the support of technology and technical assistance, we must prepare so that, when effects occur, we can mitigate and counteract them,' said Karla Reátegui, Prefect of Zamora Chinchipe.'From the prefecture, we also reaffirm our willingness to coordinate actions that will allow us to continue expanding the benefits to more farms and producers,' she concluded.Climate change will continue to present challenges, but with tools such as SATHEOBROMA, agricultural families are not alone.In a world where weather events are increasingly unpredictable, early warning systems are essential for ensuring food security and enabling communities to adapt.This initiative demonstrates that involving communities in decision-making allows us to identify and plan preventive measures, prepare for and respond effectively to multiple crises and disasters, and ensure that resources are directed to those who need them most.

Bangladesh: After the storm, hope is growing thanks to support for livelihoods and shelter

A private tutor by profession, Shanjeet has always depended on his students to make ends meet and he’s always struggled to meet basic living costs with his limited earnings.And that was before the cyclone tore up nearly everything he owned and depended on to make a living. Like many, Shanjeet lost everything when Cyclone Remal hit his village in May 2024. His house, trees, books, tubewell, and latrine were all washed away.“It was a horrible, sleepless night,”he recalls. “I was at the cyclone shelter. When I returned the next morning, I found knee-deep water all around. My house was destroyed. My favourite books were floating in the muddy water. The old mango tree in my yard, where I used to teach my students, had fallen right on top of my house.”But now around him, new hope is growing. As Shanjeet was speaking these words, a Red Crescent Youth volunteer was planting a new mango tree in the same spot where the old one once stood.It’s a powerful symbol of renewal and hope that comes thanks to the IFRC Remal Recovery Initiative being implemented by the Bangladesh Red Crescent Society. With support from that initiative, Shanjeet was able to build an entirely new shelter and latrine, as well as improve his livelihood.Since he depends on teaching for a living, Shanjeet used his livelihood support to buy stationery items like exercise books, pens, and other supplies.“I had no income for months after the cyclone. Now my students are back, and I have a small shop supported by Red Crescent where I earn extra by selling stationery to them,” said Shanjeet.“I’m slowly stepping into a new life I never imagined. I enjoy spending time with my students, who are mostly children. At the same time, I am trying to stay strong, because who knows when the next cyclone or disaster might come. But this time, I want to be more prepared.”Rebuilding homes and dignity: The story of Khalil and TaslimaIn Saudkhali village of Indurkani sub-district, a similar story is unfolding. 60-year-old Khalil and his wife Taslima are among the many people who are also participating in the recovery project.Their village is located beside the Bageshwari River, which flows into to the Bay of Bengal. The community was severely impacted by Cyclone Remal, which destroyed hundreds of shelters, sanitation facilities, and sources of livelihood.Khalil is physically challenged, and the family depends on the income of his wife, who works as a domestic worker in different houses in the village. Her earnings are far below the living wage, and they always struggled to meet their basic needs. They had a very small house, which was destroyed and washed away during the cyclone.When Khalil spoke about his current situation in front of his new house, supported under the IFRC initiative, the happiness and smile on his face were priceless.“I am very happy!” he says with a smile. “I got cattle, chickens, ducks, a new house, and a latrine. I don’t know how to describe the peace we feel now.”“We haven’t started earning yet because the chickens are yet to produce eggs, but for the first time in my life, I will be able to earn some income.”Stories of recovery across the cyclone-impacted areasWith support from the IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone recovery operation, stories like this one are being repeated throughout the areas impacted by the cyclone. Individual people and families have received cash support that allows them to address their specific needs within various categories.Under this initiative, for example, families have received 85,000 Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) for shelter (the equivalent of $US 695), BDT 25,000 ($US 205) for building or repairing latrines, and BDT 35,000 ($US 286) to rebuild their livelihoods.To benefit from the support for income-generating activities, each family submitted a written request for their preferred livelihood support option, based on their expertise, location, circumstances, available time, and family needs.At the time of this publication:• 192 families received livestock (cows and goats),• 12 families received support for chicken farming,• 23 families were supported to start small businesses (such as shops and tailoring), 36 families received boats and fishing equipment, and• 17 families received vans.In Pirojpur and Khulna, two heavily impacted areas, a total of 535 affected families have been supported with construction or repair of latrines as part of water, sanitation and hygiene support and shelter rebuilding. In addition to household support, the recovery efforts included the installation of new tubewells.Story by Shameul Islam Shovon, with editing by Raqibul AlamRead more stories about IFRC and Bangladesh Red Crescent Cyclone Remal recovery:Bangladesh: One year after the cyclone, a new home and a new juice cart brings family new hope

What recovery really looks like more than a year after Hurricane Beryl hit Barbados’ fishing communities

By the Climate CentreThe Red Cross in Barbados is helping fishermen who lost everything in Hurricane Beryl last year rebuild their traditional Caribbean fish pots.Actually, rectangular baited traps made from chicken wire and tree branches, the fish pots are regarded as more sustainable than nets and less work than going out to sea every day with a line. “They’re a really important part of local tradition that we’re trying to preserve,” explains Kiri Lizama, Barbados Red Cross Programmes and Operations Manager.“A fisherman could have up to ten fish pots in the water at once,” she adds, but with Beryl – the earliest Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record – people did not have time to get their fish pots out of the water and safely ashore.“That was quite unexpected and a lot of them would have lost all their fish pots,” Lizama tells IFRC Americas Regional Director Loyce Pace, on a visit earlier this month to one fishing community, Half Moon Fort in St Lucy parish, where the work of rebuilding fish pots is well underway.Raw materialsHurricane Beryl passed 80 miles south Barbados causing devastating damage to the island’s fishing industry; significant damage was caused to over 200 fishing boats and 20 were sunk.The Red Cross has been supporting the fishing families with the raw materials to rebuild, using the traditional skills that Lizama explains are handed down from generation to generation in Barbadian coastal villages.The fish pots are stationed on reefs, rather than sand, and can trap a large variety of local types, including barbers, grunts, snappers, chutes and queen mullets.The fishermen use a combination of GPS and simple triangulation of onshore features to identify the best locations to set the traps and find them again. Unprecedented timingThe work is one element of the Barbados Red Cross recovery programme for communities affected by Hurricane Beryl that has also included cash payments for fish-processing households, essential WASH supplies, and shelter and volunteer management.IFRC-DREF initially allocated 1.7 million Swiss francs to support response by the relevant National Societies, including in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and an emergency appeal was then launched for 4 million CHF to assist 25,000 people in these countries.Beryl’s intensity in terms of windspeed and barometric pressure was not unprecedented, but itstimingwas, the Climate Centre’s Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a lecturer at Columbia University specializing in remote sensing and early warning, wrote last year.“An additional cause for concern is that Beryl joins the ranks of destructive storms that intensified very rapidly, posing a challenge to preparedness even with the best forecasts science can provide.”It only took Beryl 40 hours to go from a tropical depression to a Category 3 hurricane – tripling its maximum wind speed to at least 180kph as it did so.Read more stories about Hurricane Beryl and Red Cross response:Hurricane Beryl: For hard-hit islands, preparation paid off with rapid response. But recovery is complicated by widespread damage. | IFRCClimate change: Turning storms into ‘monsters’ | IFRC'It’s a hustle': Fish market folk in Barbados experience more struggle since Hurricane Beryl | IFRC

In the wake of Myanmar earthquake, a mother finds strength in helping others

Yadanar Yu Hlaing Kyuu, a30-year-old single mother of one,recalls the event of 28 March 2025 vividly. She andher family were having lunch in the outdoor, palm-roofed kitchen next to their home in Shwe Lunn Village, Mandalay, when the tremors began.At first, it felt like a minor shake. But soon, the ground shook violently. Yadanar instinctively hid her son under a table in the kitchen and shielded him with her body. Moments later, concrete buildings within their compound began to fall, and their house came crashing down.Yadanar, her son, and other family memberswere lucky to survive with no injuries.In the aftermath, she joined her neighbors in searching for survivors. At the same time, she frantically tried to reach her co-workers at a popular coffee shop in Mandalay to find out whether they were okay.Once telephone lines were restored, and she was able to speak with one of her co-workers,Yadanarlearnt that the shop had collapsed. While she was lucky to have survived, it hit her that she had lost both her home and her job.One hundred days after this life-changing disaster, the memories are still fresh for many like Yadanar who lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones due to the quake. But many here also remember the bravery and solidarity of people like Yadanar, who immediately joined neighbors in searching for survivors and helping people get through those first terrible days.Support from the Myanmar Red Cross, and the IFRC network (which launchedan emergency appeal and allocated 2 million Swiss francs from theDisaster Response Emergency Fund), has also helped people meet basic nutritional, health, water and shelter needs since the quake (see below for statistics on relief already delivered).Looking ahead to the next 100 days, continued local, national and international solidarity will be critical as the Myanmar Red Cross helps even more people such as Yadanar rebuild homes, livelihoods, support their families while preparing for potential future shocks.For this reason, the IFRC is calling for even greater support of its Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal. Helping people to move back to earthquake resilient shelters and rebuilding livelihoods, takes more time and a larger investment than providing immediate relief after a disaster. Still, the IFRC’s international emergency appeal has received only 22 per cent of the funds needed to help the Myanmar Red Cross meet its earthquake response goals.From survivor to volunteerMeanwhile, in Yadanar’s community, solidarity between neighbors is what has helped them to survive day to day. It started from the moment the shaking stopped.As soon as the earth stopped trembling, Yadanar recalls, her family called out for help, a neighbor came and guided them to safety. Looking back, they saw that their home had been completely destroyed.Fearing more tremors, Yadanar’s mother urged everyone to run to a nearby field. While they were running, a second powerful quake struck. Temples and nearby buildings collapsed before their eyes.In the chaos, Yadanar didn’t hesitate to help. She joined efforts to rescue children trapped beneath rubble, using her bare hands to move heavy bricks and debris. With roads blocked and emergency vehicles unable to reach them, injured residents had to be taken to hospitals on motorcycles.For nearly 15 days, families slept in the open field, too afraid to return to their damaged homes as aftershocks continued.When Red Cross volunteers arrived to assess the damage, they visited each household and added Yadanar’s destroyed home to their list. Then, they returned with much-needed aid — tarpaulins for shelter, clean drinking water, and basic shelter toolkits.Impact with dignityFor Yadanar, the dignity kit provided by the Myanmar Red Cross was especially meaningful. At that point, she and her family didn’t even have spare clothes. The dignity kit included essential items for women, giving her comfort and a sense of dignity during a very difficult time.“The personal items and shelter materials helped us stay protected while we had no proper house,” she said. “We were so happy to receive these things, especially because it’s not easy to go out and buy anything after a disaster like this.”Yadanar says she is deeply grateful to the Myanmar Red Cross team and the donors who supported their recovery. She remembers how the volunteers walked from house to house under the hot sun to make sure families like hers were not forgotten.“Their support made a big difference in our lives,” she said. “I pray that all the donor families stay healthy and never have to face something like this.”Just a year before the earthquake, Yadanar went through a personal crisis and even attempted to take her own life. It was her father who saved her. Surviving the earthquake and seeing her son and family safe gave her a new sense of purpose and strength.Today, Yadanar serves as a volunteer camp committee leader at the earthquake relief camp where 126 families are currently staying near her home. She helps collect the names of people in need, organizes lists of homes that require rebuilding, and supports the distribution of relief items.The camp committee prioritizes families that are very poor or unable to rebuild on their own. She also contributes to building temporary shelters. Though she cannot give money, she gives her time and energy to help others in need.“If I can help others in this life, then maybe in the next life, I’ll be in a better place,” she said. “I hope my son will grow up in a happy family, with both a mother and a father.”Yadanar’s greatest hope now is to build a small earthquake-resilient house made of wood – a safe place where her family can live together again.In the meantime, her son is her biggest source of strength. After a long day of volunteering, he runs to her and calls out, “Mommy!” His love and pride push her to keep going. Her mother also encourages her.“My mother says she’s proud of me,”says Yadanar. “And people tell my mother, ‘Your daughter is amazing,’ and that means a lot … And for my son, people say, ‘Your mother is helping others.’ I want him to be proud of me.”Learn more about the IFRC and Myanmar Red Cross response:As of 30 June 2025, with support of theIFRC Emergency Appeal and other International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement partners, as well as other donors, the Myanmar Red Cross Society (MRCS) has reached almost 200,000 people. This includes:• More than 86,000 people have received health care• More than 1.3 million liters of drinking water have been distributed.• Sanitation and hygiene services have benefitted thousands of people through the construction of latrines, distribution of hygiene kits, and hygiene awareness.• More than 156,000 people have received household items such as shelter kits, mosquito nets, and kitchen sets.• More than 100,000 people have received complementary cash assistance.• 19,000 people have been reached with gender- and age-specific items such as dignity kits, infant kits, and delivery kits.Donate to the Myanmar Earthquake Emergency Appeal

Halting a sheep and goat plague outbreak to protect livelihoods in Sierra Leone

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting small animals, such as sheep and goats. PPR can be fatal and outbreaks, if left undetected, can have devastating consequences for people's livelihoods, particularly in pastoral communities.In Kamasasa, a village in north-west Sierra Leone where people are reliant on goat and sheep farming to make a living, an outbreak of PPR struck in September 2022 and threatened to wreak havoc in the community.“It was all over the town," explains Pa Adikali Sesay, Chief of Kamasasa village. "Everywhere you would go, people would say that their goats were sick. Some people would be crying because they were losing hope. If there was an emergency and they or their children got sick or if they need to pay school fees for their children, how would they pay for those things if all the animals died?”Having never experienced a PPR outbreak before, people were unsure what to do. And misinformation was spreading alongside the disease. Some farmers even fled the village, believing that their animals were under some form of mystical attack.But thankfully, local Sierra Leone Red Cross Society volunteers were on hand to support the community. Trained in epidemic control and community-based surveillance through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), they immediately recognized the disease as PPR, rapidly reported the outbreak to local animal health authorities, and mounted an effective response to halt its spread.“Our volunteers started mobilizing the community, sensitizing them, telling them not to eat these animals," says Osman Justin Conteh, CP3 Manager with the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society. "We separated the sick from those that are not sick so that then the disease will not continue to spread. Then specimens were collected and sent to the lab. We supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to treat these animals, vaccinating more than 10,000 goats and sheep against PPR."This quick, coordinated action made sure that PPR stopped spreading in the community and that sick animals were able to recover, with volunteers earning thanks and recognition from community members.Sorie Daba Sesay, a farmer from Kamasasa village, says: “The Red Cross arrived and told us to look for animals that were sick or had died. They helped get medicine to the sick goats so they would get better and not get sick again. We say to the Red Cross, thank you!”And Kamasasa village chief, Pa Adikali, adds: “The Red Cross did an incredible job. Without their intervention, we could have lost all our animals. The Red Cross arrived right when we needed their help.”This PPR outbreak response is just one example of many disease outbreaks detected, reported and responded to through the CP3 programme in Kambia. Since the programme began in 2018, Sierra Leone Red Cross Society teams have improved their capacity to prepare for and respond to epidemics and developed close partnerships with human, animal and environmental health authorities to keep communities healthy and safe.“The coming of CP3 and the Red Cross has helped us greatly in trying to mitigate the death toll of goats and sheep," says Ibrahim Harri Sesay, District Livestock Officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Kambia. "They have trained over 250 volunteers across the districts here. CP3 volunteers are all over in the communities. They are with them, they know their problems. If there are any problems with disease, be it animal or human, they report to us directly and we react appropriately.”--The activities featured in this article were delivered as part of the multi-country Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3) which ran from 2018-2025.Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), CP3 supported communities, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and other partners to prepare for, prevent, detect and respond to disease threats.If you enjoyed this story and would like to learn more, sign up to the IFRC’s Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Newsletter.   

Overcoming barriers: Red Cross language classes help displaced Ukrainians open doors to a new life

Financial insecurity, unemployment, limited access to healthcare, and language barriers are everyday challenges for millions of people who fled Ukraine after the escalation of the conflict.While finding safety is a critical first step, the harder journey often begins after — rebuilding a life in a new country, surrounded by an unfamiliar language and culture.To support this journey, Red Cross National Societies in Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Romania have launched language programs that go far beyond grammar and vocabulary.These classes are helping displaced people from Ukraine find their voices — giving them the tools they need to access work, education, healthcare, and, perhaps most importantly, a sense of belonging.The projecthas been made possible by the Swiss Contribution to the European Union under the Rapid Response Fund. This initiative aims to reduce social and economic disparities within the European Union.‘At 57, I’m starting over’One of those taking part in the classes is Iryna, who never imagined she’d be learning a new language at 57 — or starting over in a new country. Now living in Latvia with her daughter-in-law and grandson, she attends Latvian courses run by the Latvian Red Cross.“I lack speaking practice, so I eagerly signed up,”she says. “We have a great teacher.”Iryna’s family fled Kharkiv when the conflict escalated, spending days sheltering in a village basement with other families before finally boarding crowded evacuation trains. Eventually, they made it to Latvia.Life in a new country hasn’t been easy. Back home, Iryna worked as a chief accountant. Now, she works as a cleaner in a theater — a job she is grateful for, even if it is far from her field. “To return to my profession, I need to know the language,” she explains.But she finds joy in small moments. “At the theater, I get to watch pre-premiere shows and chat with the actors,” she adds with a smile.‘I never thought I’d need another language'Vadym, 55, from Mykolaiv, fled Ukraine with his family after the conflict escalated. Their journey to Romania took three days. “It was difficult,” he recalls. “We had never been abroad before, so I never thought I’d need to learn another language.”Before the escalation of the conflict, Vadym worked at the port — a skilled job that remains in demand. But in Romania, the language barrier stands in the way of continuing in his profession.Now, he attends Romanian language classes organized by the Romanian Red Cross. “It is helpful. We talk about different topics in class, and now I can go to the store and explain myself at a basic level,” he says.‘I was afraid — how would I explain if my child got sick?’For nearly three years, Mila and her son have been living in Hungary after fleeing Ukraine. She still remembers the fear and the long queues at the border. Everything felt uncertain — and without speaking the language, even the simplest tasks felt overwhelming.“I was afraid — what if my child got sick? How would I explain things to a doctor?” she recalls.When Mila learned the Hungarian Red Cross offered free language classes, she joined right away.“I came to the course and really liked it,” she says. “I met other Ukrainians, learned a lot of useful things from them, and we started talking more.”Being able to practice Hungarian in a supportive space has made a big difference. “Now I can go to the store, the pharmacy, or any office on my own — and get things done,” she says.Mila’s confidence is growing with every lesson. “When I reach a better language level, I plan to find a job here,” she says, full of hope for a more stable future.‘To find a well-paid job without knowing the language is impossible’When the conflict escalated, Yuliia left Zaporizhzhia with her two children, hoping to give them a safer life.“I wanted my children to grow up in peace, in a country without fear,” she says.Later, her mother joined them in Lithuania. Both women found work as cleaners — honest, important work that helped them start over. But Yuliia knows that speaking the language is key to opening more doors.“To find a well-paid job without knowing the language is impossible,” she says.That is why she and her mother now attend Lithuanian language classes run by the Lithuanian Red Cross.“I can already talk to people who do not speak Russian,” Yuliia shares. “It is still hard to speak freely, but I understand.”For Yuliia, Iryna, Vadym and Mila — and for many others taking part in these classes learning the local language is not just about communication. It is about regaining control, rebuilding dignity — and taking the first steps toward a future they can shape themselves.

Mongolia: Helping herders survive the ‘Iron Dzud’

The sun shone high in the sky over the vast grasslands of Sukhbaatar province, Eastern Mongolia, as 54-year-oldAltantuya Damdinsuren and her elder sister Ochirbat Damdinsuren received members of the Red Cross with wide smiles.Inside their ‘ger’ (the name for a traditional Mongolian dwelling), they were busy cooking mutton dumplings and hot bone broth for their visitors, all sourced from their very own herd. It is Mongolian custom to offer a lot of food, sweets, and drinks to visitors.The Mongolian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) were there to visit withthe two sisters to see how they are doing one year after a long period of extreme cold one year ago devastated local herding families.Their visit was part of an effort to assesshow well people are recovering after receiving critical Red Cross assistance, including cash, animal kits, hay, fodder, psychosocial support and more.Among theoffered dishes was a bowl of homemade milk cheese, taken from the first milk of their cow after newborn calf had been fed. The animals of Mongolian herders are more than just a source of sustenance — they are companions for life. Herder families help their animals live, eat, give birth, survive the cold, traverse the vast landscape, and remain healthy.On top of a side table were two large plates of what appeared to be homegrown grass, cultivated by the two sisters.Altantuya picks them up and says, “These are for my animals.”Recovering from devastating lossSuch intimate care of livestock is normal here, but it has been especially critical recently as communities recovered from last year’s extreme cold weather (locally known as a ‘dzud’) that unfolded one year ago. Throughout Mongolia, over 180,000 herder households were severely affected by the dzud. By July2024, over 8 million livestock, or 12.5 per cent of the overall livestock in Mongolia had tragically perished, according to Mongolian Red Cross.This dramatic loss triggeredwidespread food insecurity, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, reducing the production of staple meat and dairy products dramatically, driving up prices, and disrupted supply chains. Meanwhile, heavy snowfall severely limited the herder’s access to markets.The combined effects of increased debt burdens diminished purchasing power and further drove up inflation. Escalating costs for hay and fodder, meanwhile, aggravated the hardships faced by all herding families, but particularly by single-headed households likeAltantuya’s or families with children.“Heads of herder households particularly had difficulties coping with the stress of losing their beloved animals,”says Dr. Gantulga Batbyamba,Director of the Health Department for the Mongolian Red Cross Society. “Livestock loss negatively impacts their mental health, and thisthem feeling hopeless and stressed for their future."In addition, heavy snows that accompanied the extreme cold meant that grown children living in nearby cities, or younger children in weekday boarding schools, could not return home for long periods.”Altantuya herselflost almost 400 livestock from her precious herd of horse, goat, sheep, and cattle. Only about 100 animals including newborns, now remain in her care, and her main source of income has always been largely from livestock — she also receives pension from the state.To cope with this huge loss of livelihood since last year’s dzud, Altantuya has taken two separate loans — one from a bank and the other against her pension.Mongolian Red CrossSocietyresponseTo help people likeAltantuya recover from this devastation blow, the Mongolian Red Cross has been working alongside herder communities when the dzud hit. One of the very first things it did was to provide animal care kits and multipurpose cash for herder households.ForAltantuya (and more than80 per cent of the families surveyed), that cash became a lifeline. A significant portion wasspent quickly on extra hay, fodder, and nutrition to keep their animals alive.Much of this support was made possible by resources mobilized through a global IFRCEmergency Appeal, and these funds went towards providing cash to households in need, animal care kits, and support aimed at helping people deal with the mental health and psychological impacts of the disaster.Within the animal care kits are fish oil, hoof and eye ointment, powdered vitamins and salt licks, which helped her animals survive the harsh weather. The Mongolian Red Cross also gave food to families who did not have sufficient resources to adequately prepare their own meals.“Hay and fodder are the most valuable assistance to us,”Altantuya says. “It allows us to help our animals survive.”Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) have also been critical. MRCS conducted extensive outreach on psychosocial first aid, home visits to herder families, and in-person visits to soum centres (districts) and held activities in boarding schools to support children separated from their families. They also set up a local hotline for online and remote support, as well as disseminated key messages on mental health to many communities.As herder families live in far-flung and extremely remote areas, home visits along with mental health care, as well as regular phone calls from Red Cross staff, have been a great relief indeed, says Dr Gantulga, adding that IFRC surge support for mental health and psychosocial support trainings have allowed the Mongolian Red Cross to strengthen MHPSS and psychological first aid skills for staff and volunteers.WhileAltantuyashrugs off her difficulties, her elder sister Ochirbat notes that life during winter in Mongolia is never easy, and it’s even harder during an extremely cold weather.“When it gets very cold, we have to make sure the animals don’t lie down even for a while in the cold; they will not be able to get back up again and will freeze to death,”she says. “My sister physicallypushes or pulls them back up to make them stand and continue standing by themselves.”One year after the 2024 dzud, the Mongolian Red Cross Society and the IFRC continuing to help herder households to get back on their feet, delivering critical humanitarian assistance and services to families and to many others in need. For herder families like Altantuya and her sister, the only hope after such events is to rebuild their herd and start again.By Rachel Punitha, IFRC Senior Communications Officer, Asia Pacific Region

How the oil spill in Ecuador is affecting health, water, and livelihoods

Oil spills are not just environmental disasters; they pose serious risks to health and livelihoods. Even more so when the contaminated springs are the primary source of drinking water for the local population.That's the case in Ecuador's northern coastal region where, on 13 March, 2025, a rupture in Ecuador's oil pipeline system caused a catastrophic oil spill in the province of Esmeraldas, contaminating the Caple, Viche, and Esmeraldas rivers. On 22 March, a second spill worsened the situation.The crisis has affected 300,000 people, forcing authorities to cut off tap water supplies and rely on emergency water distribution. Without urgent intervention, this crisis will continue to escalate, placing even more people at risk.To understand the impact of an oil spill like this, we spoke with Dr. Pedro Porrino, Emergency Health Coordinator for the IFRC Americas office, who divides the impact into three main levels:1. Direct health risksOil is a toxic substance both through direct contact and through the gases it emits. Contact with the skin can cause dermatological reactions ranging from mild irritation to severe allergic reactions that can pose a serious threat to life.Additionally, inhaling toxic gases poses a significant risk, as it does not require direct contact with the substance. Anyone within the contaminated area may experience respiratory issues, ranging from mild discomfort to severe airway inflammation that can make breathing difficult or impossible.This is particularly dangerous for individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis, as well as for young children, elders, and pregnant women, who are at higher risk.Beyond physical health, the disaster also has significant mental health consequences. The uncertainty, loss of resources, and disruption of daily life generate high levels of stress and anxiety. Affected families face emotional distress due to displacement, health concerns, and economic instability.2. Water contamination and public health risksThe spill has polluted rivers and streams that local populations rely on, rendering the water completely unfit for consumption and other uses. Depending on the affected area, underground aquifers - another crucial water source - may also be contaminated.This situation leads to a crisis in access to safe water, which, in cases of oil spills, can last for extended periods. The use of unsafe water sources can lead to gastrointestinal diseases and outbreaks of waterborne infections, further complicating the emergency.Additionally, the lack of water affects hygiene and sanitation, increasing health risks. It is also critical to guarantee the supply of safe water to healthcare facilities to maintain essential medical services.3. Livelihood disruptionsBeyond health risks, the oil spill has disrupted agriculture, livestock, and fishing - critical sources of income for many communities.Contamination can affect food security, as toxins can enter the food chain through water or direct exposure. Moreover, the disruption of economic activities vital to many communities worsens socio-economic conditions. The effects of oil spills can persist for long periods, increasing poverty and precarious living conditions, which are significant risk factors for health.Red Cross responseSince the crisis began, Ecuadorian Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground, providing essential aid and support to affected families. Their efforts include:Distributing emergency water supplies: More than 1,1 million litres of potable water have been treated and delivered to 22 communities.Providing hygiene kits and cleaning tools: To help prevent the spread of diseases.Offering medical assistance: First aid and emergency healthcare are being provided to people suffering from exposure-related health issues.Assessing and restoring water treatment plants: Ecuadorian Red Cross experts, along with IFRC specialists, are ensuring the operational status of water treatment plants in Esmeraldas, distributing sodium hypochlorite to purify water sources.The IFRC has launched an Emergency Appeal for 4 million Swiss francs to support 176,200 people across Esmeraldas, El Oro, Guayas, and Manabí provinces over the next 12 months.The operation will focus on providing clean water, medical care including mental health support, shelter assistance, hygiene items, and cash transfers for the most affected families.As part of this Emergency Appeal, the Honduran Red Cross mobilized a sophisticated mass water purification system to Ecuador, which is expected to distribute safe water to more than 15,000 people per day in the most affected communities. This shipment is accompanied by the deployment of two water, sanitation and hygiene specialists from the Honduran Red Cross.The Honduran Red Cross is sending these resources in its role as leader of the Wash Hub, an equipment and knowledge center formed by the Red Cross societies of Central America and the IFRC.The Ecuadorian Red Cross is at the forefront of response efforts, but they need international support to sustain and expand their humanitarian operations. By acting now, lives, livelihoods, and the dignity of the people affected by this disaster can be protected.

International Women’s Day: In Cameroon’s Far North region, mothers’ clubs provide a model for building a healthier, more prosperous future

In a region where diseases such as cholera and malaria continue to pose a significant risk to life, mothers’ clubs are providing communities with essential information on health and hygiene, while also looking out for signs of potential health problems or outbreaks."In the past, many women did not understand the importance of vaccination, menstrual hygiene, or prenatal consultations,”says Tchinabi Thérèse, president of the Kodek mothers' club and mother of six children.“Today, thanks to the training provided by the Red Cross, we know how to explain these topics to our community and convince them to adopt good practices."The work of the mothers’ clubs goes beyond issues of health. They work with local parents, for example, to allow young girls to stay in school and they support a wide range of income-generating projects that provide women with their reliable sources of revenue.The projects include a community farm that grows millet and cowpeas, a project in which members produce artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa), a farm that raises sheep and many other initiatives.The activities are supported by something called theProgrammatic Partnership,a multi-year partnership between the IFRC, member National Societies and theEuropean Union to help communities worldwide be better prepared for disasters and health emergencies.Supporting safe and healthy communitiesIn Cameroon’s Far North, the results are tangible: local health authorities report that more women are now regularly visiting their local health centre, hospital births have increased, and proper hygiene practices are becoming widespread.“This initiative has helped a great deal in the Kodek health area,”explains Manasse Kouchakbe, midwife and Interim Head of the Kodek Health Centre. “Mothers’ clubs have been very helpful in raising awareness in households and they also help us to identify diseases with epidemic potential in the communities.“Take malaria – through sensitization, volunteers have increased community members’ use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Now, the number of malaria cases has dropped significant.”In emergency health situations, the mothers’ clubs also mobilize."When a child was bitten by a dog, we immediately alerted the Red Cross and advised the mother on the necessary actions,”says Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Thanks to this quick intervention, the child received timely medical care."With the support of the Red Cross, these women are not simply recipients of humanitarian aid; they have become public health advocates within their own communities.Promoting equality, education and empowermentBeyond their role in addressing health and hygiene issues, the mothers’ clubs are also helping to empower women – particularly young women and girls – to have more control over their future and well-being.One of the major challenges, for example, is the continued practice of early marriage, in which girls are married before they are able to finish school. To help change these practices, the Red Cross and the mothers' clubs are actively working together to change community attitudes and convince families to let girls finish their education. "In the past, girls were married off at 12 or 13 years old,”explains Aïssatou Dahirou, president of the Dougoï mothers' club. “Today, thanks to awareness efforts, more and more families are allowing their daughters to continue their education."Supported by the Red Cross, the mothers' clubs organize awareness sessions in schools and neighborhoods to encourage parents to keep their daughters in school. Their message: an educated girl can help lift her entire family out of poverty.One of those parents, Soureya, did in fact change her thinking on the issue after visiting with the Kodek mothers' club."I had to drop out of school in my first year of primary middle class,”she says. “Today, I want my daughters to go further than I did. Thanks to the Red Cross, I have understood the importance of education, and I do everything I can to keep my kids in school."Supporting women’s economic empowermentThe Cameroon Red Cross and the mothers’ clubs also supporting the economic empowerment of women through a support program for Income-Generating Activities (IGAs), enabling the mothers' clubs to develop local economic initiatives.In Kodek, women cultivate a community farm, growing millet and cowpeas, ensuring a stable source of income.In Dougoï, they have established a production of artisanal oils (sesame, balanites, moringa).They have also launched a sheep farming project, made possible by 600,000 FCFA in funding provided by the Red Cross."We started with five sheep, and today we have managed to expand our flock. After the Feast of the Sacrifice, we will sell our animals and generate profits," explains Aïssatou Dahirou.However, challenges remain, feeding the animals is costly, and the women still lack sufficient equipment to strengthen their activities. Despite these obstacles, they remain determined to expand their IGAs and ensure their financial autonomy.With Red Cross support, they are not only becoming economically independent but also strengthening their role in decision-making within their households and communities.

International Women's Day: ‘At first, I was afraid, but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible’

Rania had always envisioned owning a hair salon—a place filled with the scent of fresh hair products, the sound of scissors snipping, and the satisfaction of seeing her clients leave with smiles on their faces. But for a long time, that dream seemed out of reach.Starting with nothing, Rania faced obstacles that made progress feel impossible. Without adequate equipment, financial stability, or a proper workspace, she struggled to move forward. Still, she refused to let go of her passion.Everything changed when she learned about a small business support program through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC). Seeing it as a rare opportunity, she applied with hope, and when she was approved, it felt like a turning point. With the first round of financial aid, she carefully selected the essentials—scissors, clippers, hair dyes, and styling products—gradually bringing her dream to life.The opportunity came at a critical time. People displaced by 13 years of hostilities are now looking to return.The humanitarian needs were already significantand continue to grow as people returnonlyto find homes and infrastructure badly damaged or destroyed.For this reason, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal to support the Syrian Arab Red Crescent’s efforts to provide life-saving assistance to 5 million people across Syria.And even with the first small grant from the Red Crescent, there were still many challenges ahead for Rania. Just as her business was gaining momentum, a new challenge arose—frequent power outages.“I was the only one without a generator,” she recalled. “Whenever the electricity went out, I had to stop working. Clients would leave, and I couldn’t do anything about it.”Determined not to let setbacks define her, Rania used a second round of support from the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to invest in a battery and solar panel. With her brother’s help, she set up a reliable power source, ensuring that her salon could remain open even during long blackouts. That decision changed everything.Her business flourished, customers increased, and she finally earned enough to rent her own shop. More than just financial success, she gained recognition and trust within her community. No longer just a hairdresser, she became an inspiration to others.“At first, I was afraid,” Rania admitted, “but I’ve learned that with determination, anything is possible.”Hasna’s journey of strength and independenceNot far from Rania, another woman was building something of her own. Like Rania, Hasna knew the weight of struggle. But she also knew that giving up was never an option.Hasna had always believed in moving forward, no matter how difficult life became. “There’s no room for despair,” she would say. “I had to keep going—to work, to learn, to build something better.”“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet.”Hasna, business owner, mother and household provider.In the past, she spent money without much thought, never considering savings or investment. “I didn’t have a plan,” she admitted. That changed when she attended a financial management training organized by the Syrian Arab Red Crescent that introduced her to budgeting, profit calculation, and smarter financial habits.What started as small, careful steps soon turned into real progress. Hasna launched a modest business from home, buying and reselling products. Over time, as she applied her newfound financial skills, her business grew. But more than just an income source, it gave her confidence, purpose, and a sense of independence.“I no longer rely on anyone—I stand on my own feet,” she said with pride. “Nothing makes me happier than hearing them call me ‘Teta.’”Beyond financial stability, Hasna also discovered the power of knowledge and support. Through the Syrian Arab Red Crescent, she participated in legal awareness sessions, psychological support programs, and women’s empowerment groups.“These sessions changed my mindset,” she shared. “We learned things that lifted us—not just financially, but emotionally too. I only wish I had found them earlier.”For Hasna, the encouragement she received was just as important as the financial help. Even on difficult days, attending those sessions gave her strength.“No matter how I felt walking in, I always left feeling stronger,” she reflected. “That support changed my life.”Now, she has a message for other women facing struggles:“Never stop pushing forward,”she says. “Whether you’re divorced, widowed, or single, stand on your own feet and keep going. Things get better with time and effort. I started small, but I’m not stopping here. This isn’t just about making a living—it’s about building something that lasts. And trust me, the more you put in, the more life gives back.”Get involved:Support the IFRC’s emergency appeal for Syria.Learn more about livelihoods programming throughout the IFRC network.Read our other International Women’s Day stories:International Women's Day: Patricia’s path from exclusion to ‘a profound sense of belonging’Best friends forever: Two women, friends since childhood, dedicate their lives to helping othersHow investing in women humanitarian leadership paid off in the Americas

Belize: After a season of drought and fire wiped out farmlands, Red Cross help farmers sow the seeds of recovery

It’s been a hot year in Belize, the small coastal Central American country that borders Guatemala, Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The end of the dry season was characterized by an intense drought, which led to wildfires throughout the south of the country.In early June 2024, after officials declared a state of emergency in the Toledo and Cayo districts, the Belize Red Cross activated emergency plans to support the government and assist 28 affected communities.The Toledo district is one of Belize's most diverse regions, with people speaking a wide range of languages, from Mayan to Q'eqchi', English, Spanish, and Creole. Most people in the villages around Punta Gorda, the biggest town in the district, are farmers who grow cacao, corn, and tree resin (copal) to sell in local markets.The wildfires that began in May have burned over 10,000 hectares, wiping out fields of crops and impacting some 400 families in 36 Punta Gorda communities, including San Pedro Columbia and Otoxhal.Since the emergency began, the Toledo Branch of the Belize Red Cross has distributed meals to firefighters, assessed damage and needs, and provided first aid to community members, among other things. The response has been supported by an allocation from the IFRC’s Disaster Response Emergency Fund (IFRC-DREF).“We've partnered with vendors to provide 204 families with vouchers for farming tools and supplies,” said Danielle Rose, IFRC Cash and Voucher Officer for this response. “Cash and voucher assistance as a form of assistance really gives the people the autonomy to choose what they need most.“Every family has different needs, and we truly believe that they know what they need first.”Farmers from San Pedro Columbia and other villages in Toledo received a voucher to use at two local farm supply stores. On distribution days, volunteers were in the stores to answer questions while staff from the stores were also trained to help farmers use their vouchers for the best outcomes.Many communities also organized themselves to support the response. In San Pedro Columbia, one of the villages in Toledo, local farmers formed a fire brigade to help control the fires.Cirilia, the leader of the fire brigades, is one of those farmers who used vouchers to buy farm supplies. A single mother of three, Cirilia says she will replant her farm with fruits like cacao, mango, and avocado, while also taking steps to prepare for potential future emergencies.“I’m sketching my plans and thinking ahead to minimize the impact of disasters. I’m determined to be proactive so I can protect my farm and family,’ explains Cirilia. “I’m also planning to expand into other crops, like vanilla, and explore new possibilities for my farm. I’ll be buying seeds, especially vegetable seeds, because my kids love gardening. I also plan to get gardening tools and equipment to use on the farm.”As part of the Belize Red Cross’s response to the fires, volunteers have also distributed food, hygiene, and cleaning kits in numerous villages. While the wildfires in Belize tested the resilience of communities across the Toledo District, they also revealed the strength and determination of the people affected.From forming fire brigades to reimagining their farms, individuals like Cirilia have shown that recovery is about more than rebuilding—it's about creating something stronger and more sustainable over the long term.

'It’s a hustle': Fish market folk in Barbados experience more struggle since Hurricane Beryl

Fish-market folk are used to hustling every day. Take June Cummins at the Bridgetown Fish Market in Barbados.On the morning we meet, she’s looking for ice being specially delivered because the regular ice machine is broken.“It’s a hustle life,” says June, a small vendor who coordinates with boat captains as well as fish cleaners, processers and buyers.Since Hurricane Beryl swept across the country in early July, there’s been less coordinating with the four boat captains she regularly works with. One boat sank, while three others needed significant repairs. People asked why she cried when seeing the damage.“This is my livelihood,” she told them.June has been a fish vendor for thirty years, keeping a family tradition once held by her mother and brothers. Sometimes her sister stops by to scale fish.“It don’t be easy,” says June.The fish market life earned her around 250 USD a week before Beryl. Now, she’s making around half of that or less, depending on available swordfish, marlin and other deep-sea fish.Before the storm, she could get fresh catch on credit and pay later when she sold the filets. Now, she pays up front even though she still has to cover basic expenses, like rent and utilities.“I make sure rent is covered before food,” she says.Recently, the Barbados Red Cross Society met with fish-market folk in multiple towns on the island. The information gathered so far confirms impacts for people who rely on fishing. In response to the storm, the IFRC launched an emergency appeal to support Red Cross National Societies provide much needed support to people, some of whom have lost everything to this unusually powerful hurricane.“They generally have savings, but they haven’t any left,” says Danielle Toppin, director-general of the Barbados Red Cross and part of the team doing the interviews.The men in the market don’t want to borrow, she adds, but they’re doing what they must during this downturn following the storm: asking loved ones for help.The Red Cross will be helping, too. Plans are underway for providing help to as many local fish-market folk as possible.While the details are being worked out, vendors like June will carry on as part of the Swordfish Queens at stall #3 in Bridgetown, especially now that Charles, her favorite captain, and his boat 'Sea Gypsy' are ready.“If there’s enough fish to get, I’ll come on Sundays.”

Climate change, economic uncertainty and the future of volunteering: IFRC youth leader takes on the hot issues impacting young people

When Bas van Rossum was elected to represent youth on the IFRC Governing Board, he was the youngest person to ever serve in that role. Now as he steps down as president of IFRC’s Youth Commission, he talks about the challenges that defined his tenure. “Young people are perhaps the closest to the front lines,” he says in this special episode, recorded during the IFRC Youth Forum and released on the first day of the IFRC General Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. “So it's really important that we listen to young volunteers and that we give them space to really shape the direction we're heading.”

Zimbabwe: Water project offers a garden of hope in drought-stricken region

A 37-year-old mother of seven, Patience Makuya is one of many women who have borne the brunt of a devastating drought that has turned once fertile fields into barren expanses.Triggered by the El Niño weather phenomenon, the drought has ravaged Southern Africa, leaving millions facing food insecurity and water scarcity.In Mwenezi, Masvingo Province, a district renowned for its erratic rainfall and high temperatures, the impact has been particularly severe. Here, more than 80 percent of the region received below-average rainfall, leading to widespread crop failures and deepening the hunger crisis.For women like Patience, the daily struggle for survival has become a harsh reality – though a newly created irrigation system and garden is now easing the pressure on many families. "Before this piped water system and garden, we used to walk long journeys to fetch water and leave our children all day with hunger," Patience recalled. "We had no vegetables to give our children to eat with sadza, so we would buy sugar for them to eat with the sadza."This grim reality is shared by many in Mwenezi, where the drought has pushed food insecurity to alarming levels, with nearly half the population grappling with severe hunger.A pipeline of hopeRecognizing the dire need in Mwenezi, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, with support from the IFRC, has initiated several life-saving projects aimed at mitigating the impact of the drought.One such project is the Gudomutovhoti Piped Water Scheme, a 2km pipeline network commissioned in May 2024, that has brought much-needed water to the district, transforming lives in the process.The pipeline network supports the 1.5 hectare-nutrition garden, where Patience and many other women from 100 households diligently tend to their allocated plots.For Patience and the women of Gudomutovhoti community in Ward 14, under Chief Neshuro, the piped water scheme has been nothing short of a miracle. In a region prone to irregular rainfall and water challenges, especially in the face of climate change, the scheme has not only reduced the arduous task of fetching water but has also provided the means to sustain their families.Through the establishment of a nutrition garden, Patience and other women in the community can now grow vegetables and legumes, offering a vital source of nutrition. "Our children now have better nutrition thanks to this garden,”Patience says. “We can cook spinach from our garden and feed our families." The nutrition garden has also fostered a sense of self-reliance among the women, who have taken ownership of their plots and are now able to provide for their families, despite the harsh conditions."Many in the community were sceptical and laughed at us for being a part of the project, but now they come to ask us for vegetables to eat from our garden plots and we sell to raise money to either pay for school fees for our children or buy grain to ward off hunger in this drought," Patience shared.Challenges still aheadWhile the piped water scheme and nutrition garden have provided much-needed relief, the challenges facing Mwenezi are far from over. The drought continues to tighten its grip, exacerbating food insecurity and leading to a range of social issues, including gender-based violence, child marriages, and school dropouts."This drought has made these challenges worse," said Abigail Murwira, the district's Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development gender officer. "Couples argue more when food is lacking, and many girls are leaving school to be married as their families seek ways to make a living."The drought has taken a heavy toll on livestock herders, with many animals dying from a lack of water and grazing. The Gudomutovhoti water station is providing critical relief, supplying much-needed water to both the herders and their livestock, easing the drought's harsh impact.The Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s needs assessment in Mwenezi, supported by the IFRC, underscores the urgent need for a scaled-up response, as called for in the ongoing IFRC emergency appeal for countries impacted by drought and food insecurity in Africa. Without additional support, millions of people in Zimbabwe and across the region will face worsening levels of acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and water scarcity.Patience Makuya’s story is a stark reminder of the human cost of climate change and the critical need for sustained humanitarian efforts. While the ZRCS and IFRC have made significant strides in alleviating the immediate suffering in Mwenezi, and the resilience of people like Patience is inspiring, these facts should not be seen as a substitute for the support they so desperately need.By Rumbidzai Nenzou, IFRC Communications Officer

Tree-planting champions of Sierra Leone: Leading the fight against climate change, one seedling at a time

With her watering can in hand, Mariam Albert carefully sprinkles each of the many tree seedlings that cover the ground around her. Someday these young trees will bear fruits and nuts, and provide oil, cacao and wood for local communities. Just as importantly, they will help diminish the impacts of climate change and deforestation, while providing a vital source of local income.The tree seedlings were planted by Miriam and others in a community nursery as part of the Sierra Leone Red Cross Society’s (SLRCS) Tree Planting and Care Project. As one of the project’s Tree Planting and Care Champions, Miriam sees her hard work as not just a duty; it is a passionate pursuit to secure a greener and healthier future for generations to come.“I take deep pride in seeing my community embrace our initiative,” she says. “The trees not only provide green cover but also benefit families nutritionally and economically. This is because we focus on fruit trees like cashew, oil palm, cacao, avocado, and timber trees such as Gmelina”.Her role as a Tree Planting and Care Champion goes beyond tending for plants. It’s also about inspiring a sense of environmental stewardship among fellow members of the Gbandi community, within the Baoma chiefdom of Bo District, Sierra Leone.Her responsibilities are multifaceted. She mobilizes the community, educating them on the importance of nurturing seeds, transplanting them, and providing ongoing care. Her leadership is pivotal in organizing regular community activities centered on environmental conservation.Funded by the Icelandic Red Cross and implemented with support from the Finnish Red Cross, the SLRCS’s Tree Planting and Care Project aims to combat deforestation, promote biodiversity, and mitigate climate change. It’s a vital response to the urgent need for environmental action in Sierra Leone and beyond.5 billion new trees across Africa by 2030The tree planting in Sierra Leone is part of a larger initiative that spans the African continent. In the face of increasing natural disasters and humanitarian crises in Africa, which are exacerbated by climate change and conflict, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) launched the Pan-African Tree Planting and Care Initiative in 2021.This initiative tackles these challenges by integrating environmental interventions with traditional humanitarian aid. It emphasizes large-scale tree planting and nature-based solutions to enhance climate adaptation, disaster-risk reduction, and improved food security.With a goal to plant and care for 5 billion trees by 2030, the initiative promotes sustainable practices, strengthens community resilience, and advocates for stronger policies that support environmental protection.Trees play a critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide, thus mitigating the causes of climate change while adapting landscapes to its consequences. They also reduce soil erosion, conserve biodiversity, and enhance water quality.The SLRCS empowers individual women, like Mariam, to lead and facilitate the tree-planting process in their respective communities. These women champions establish and maintain nursery sites, mobilize community members, and ensure the ongoing care of the trees until they reach maturity.To date, there are 52 dedicated women champions in 52 communities actively involved in similar efforts in Sierra Leone. Together, they have planted more than 55,000 trees, roughly 60 per cent of the project’s goal. SLRCS's planting efforts are ongoing, with the expectation that these numbers will continue to grow as champions like Mariam persist in their work.

World Refugee Day: Syrian refugees in Jordan stitch a new life through skills training and education

Words by Joe Baaklini, IFRC Communications OfficerWhen Faten fled war-torn Syria in 2012, she found herself a refugee in a makeshift camp in the town of Al-Lubban, Jordan. She lived in a tent with her husband - the sole provider for the family - and her children.The family’s situation went from bad to worse when Faten’s husband got sick and could no longer provide for the family. That is when Faten realized she had to act fast to support her spouse and children. Thanks to her friends, Faten learned about a series of vocational trainings that were being organized by the Jordan Red Crescent (JNRCS). She saw a career opportunity in those trainings, and she took it.“I had never worked before, so I had to learn new skills,” says Faten, who has been taking these workshops, and working, since 2013.“I participated in sewing and crochet workshops, and they were extremely beneficial. Thanks to these trainings, I am now earning enough money to support my husband and children. However, it’s not just about the money, but the feeling of being capable and empowered.”A lifeline to livelihoods and dignityThe Jordan Red Crescent’s workshops offer a lifeline to refugees in Al-Lubban camp, equipping them with valuable skills in cooking, baking, soap-making, sewing, and crochet.By learning new crafts or rediscovering forgotten talents, refugees gain the confidence and ability to generate income. This not only provides for their basic needs but also restores a sense of dignity and purpose.“Most of the refugees who take these trainings want to improve their lives,” says Nawal Sadeq, a vocational trainer for the Jordan Red Crescent, who took similar workshops years ago and eventually started her own business.“They want a source of income, and they want a better future. Thanks to our trainings, these women are starting their own businesses and/or finding job opportunities that allow them to sustain.”The Jordan Red Crescent’s program goes beyond just workshops, however. “I took a baking course and it was a massive success for me, but the Red Crescent’s support didn’t end there, as they offered me an oven, thus helping me start my own cooking business,” says Fatima,also a Syrian refugee in Al-Lubban. “I am so grateful and I’m so proud of myself. I pay rent and provide for my two daughters now.”A healthy new startThe Jordan Red Crescent also includes health interventions are also part of its support program. The National Society organizes periodic health visits all year round, therefore ensuring the refugees’ physical and mental well-being.“As part of our efforts to protect vulnerable populations and their dignity, we organize health visits to makeshift camps, such as the Al-Lubban camp, where we regularly set up mobile health clinics that provide treatment and medication to the refugees,” says Mahmoud Al-Eswid, Relief Distribution Officer at the Jordan Red Crescent.According to Mahmoud, what’s as important as regular health check-ups is education and learning opportunities. He adds:"Education is the most important of all and that’s what we’re trying to focus on with the refugees here in Al-Lubban camp; teaching them to read and write, training them in new skills, it’s all very crucial for their integration in their new community. It empowers them to build a brighter future, both for themselves and the community.”Learn more about ways in which the Red Cross and Red Crescent Network ensures that Migrants are #NotAlone.

Stories of resilience in Türkiye: Rebuilding livelihoods after the earthquakes

Before the devastating earthquakes that shook Türkiye on 6 February, 2023, Döndü Karabörk made a good living by operating a glassware store in Kahramanmaraş province.But then came the earthquakes.By the time the ground stopped shaking, the glassware store — and most of the delicate objects inside — were destroyed. Everything she had worked for seemed to be completely and permanently shattered.“We were about to restart working, but we didn't have capital,” she recalls. “I was feeling down.”Fortunately, Döndü had a chance to put the pieces of her business back together.With support from the Turkish Red Crescent and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Döndü received a cash grant that she used to buy the products needed to reopen and revive her shop."That grant of 30,000 Turkish Lira (CHF 1,000) was very precious to us,” she says. “It was the reason I was able to take my first step back up again."Döndü was later granted another TRY 15,000 (CHF 500) for additional livelihood support. “We went shopping again to buy more products,”she recalls. “Now I'll be able to work more comfortably. Even though the support was small, it was still a very big push for me.”Rebuilding togetherDöndü’s story is far from unique. The earthquakes not only caused widespread destruction — claiming over 55,000 lives, and displacing millions of people — it also destroyed thousands of businesses. Many thousands of people lost their only means of earning income.In a region where agriculture, farming, and labor make up a significant portion of the economy, the impact was particularly severe, affecting over 25 percent of the population. Since then, people have been in the process of rebuilding their lives, a journey that will take several years.The Turkish Red Crescent and the IFRC have been at the forefront of earthquake-response efforts, which have included financial support to help people meet their immediate needs as well as their long-term, livelihood-recovery goals. This support includes grants for micro and small enterprises, rehabilitation of livestock and agricultural areas, and the repair of damaged infrastructure.The IFRC launched anEmergency Appeal for Türkiye in the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes in order to raise CHF 400 million to support people's immediate and long-term needs. Thanks to contributions from numerous donors, recovery support is being provided so that the affected people can get back on their feet.From farmers to craftspeopleThe first phase of the plan supported 607 micro and small enterprises from November 2023 until early 2024. This included craftspeople and artists, with an average cash transfer of TRY 40,000 (CHF 1,300) per person. The livelihoods recovery support has just entered its second phase and will continue until February 2025.“We went through a challenging period both mentally and financially,” said Ökkeş İnce, a carpenter whose house and workshop in Kahramanmaraş were badly damaged. “It was very tough. But we couldn't leave this place.”"I said, ‘Life goes on,’ and started rebuilding our life. We cleared the debris in our workshop and started trying to repair it.” Ökkeş specializes in handcrafted wood carving, producing furniture and accessories.He used the cash grant to purchase the machinery and equipment needed to revitalize his business.Taking care of the landMeanwhile, cash transfers from the Turkish Red Crescent andthe IFRC have helped more than 860 agricultural and livestock farmers who received payments in two installments. Each person received an average of TRY 30,000 (CHF 1,000).“After the earthquakes, I did not give up. I continued to take care of my land,” said Ali Öztürk, a farmer from Gaziantep province.Ali’s barn collapsed before his eyes during the earthquakes and his tractor was destroyed. Despite the challenges, he remained determined to continue farming. With the livelihoods cash grant, he purchased agricultural supplies to maintain his olive and grape crops.“The Turkish Red Crescent and the IFRC provided me with cash support twice," he said. "I first bought fertilizers that I used in the field, then I bought pesticides.” Ali underlines that he still needs financial aid to put his business back on track because he is having difficulty buying some basic items, such as agricultural pesticides. “Buying diesel is what puts us in trouble,” he says.A positive impactA study conducted among earthquake survivors, who were supported in the first phase, revealed the positive impact of Livelihood Recovery Programme. A majority of participants expressed satisfaction with the support received.According to the study, cash assistance was highly preferred over in-kind assistance because people were able to choose for themselves the kind of materials and supplies they needed most. Almost all of those involved say they used the money to purchase equipment, raw materials or machinery. Among farmers, 79 percent reported positive changes in their businesses and operations. For micro and small enterprises, that figure 90 percent.However, the study also highlighted that some recipients felt the amount of cash was insufficient to fully meet their needs, underscoring the necessity for expanded interventions in the upcoming phase.In the second phase of the programme, the Turkish Red Crescent and the IFRC are looking to assist 4,000 micro and small enterprises and 2,000 farmers.Highly vulnerable womenmicro and small enterprises and youngmicro and small enterprisesaged 18-30 will receive TRY 80,000(CHF2,219), those in the manufacturing/production sector will receive TRY 70,000(CHF1,941), and those in the retail/service sectors will receive TRY 50,000(CHF1,386),

Resilience: Nurturing new life in Galoolay village

By Timothy Maina, IFRC communications officer and Guuleed Elmi, SRCS Somaliland, director of communicationsNestled in Somaliland's Togdheer region, the vibrant agro-pastoral community of Galoolay faced a harsh reality - a ravaging drought that threatened their very way of life.But hope arrived with the SRCS Somaliland Resilience and Livelihoods Programme, which empowers communities like Galoolay by fortifying their resilience against disasters and climate change, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.Made possible through a partnership between the German Red Cross (GRC) and the Somali Red Crescent Society (SRCS), the program has successfully completed two life-changing initiatives in Galoolay since 2022 that have reached over 2,000 families.A Community StrugglesAmong the many the concrete examples of the project’s impact is the renovated berked — a traditional underground water cistern — that provides residents of Galoolay with a critical source of clean water for households and for livestock.Standing next to the refurbished cistern, Asad Abdilahi Heri, the village head, paints a vivid picture of a community struggling with drought and why access to water is so critical. Their livestock, the lifeblood of their livelihood, has dwindled by a shocking 3,800 head due to drought in recent years."Since this berked was constructed, life has improved for the better and more than half of our water needs of the households have been met,” he says. “We thank SRCS for coming to our aid."Due to increasing water scarcity in recent years, only two of the 56 berkeds that once existed still function. Villagers were forced to travel a grueling 30 kilometers to the nearest water source in Odweine district.The restoration of this water source — done by the community with SRCS support — has significantly improved the situation for 480 households who now rely on it for their primary water needs.Despite the improvements, the scars of the drought remain. Familes that were displaced due to livestock loss now live in the village, relying on donkeys and camels for the arduous water-fetching journeys.Still, there's a sense of progress. With over half the village's water needs met, life has improved. Heri's plea for another berked, along with repairs to existing ones, reflects the community's desire for a more sustainable water future.Koos Yusuf Mohamed: A Story of ResilienceSRCS' intervention has also been instrumental in reviving the village's agricultural efforts. Their support, including providing hours of field ploughing work, significantly helped farmers like Mama Koos Yusuf Mohamed cultivate a second harvest of corn.A mother of eight, Mama Koos exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of Galoolay. Despite limited resources, she keeps a spirit of optimism and gratitude. The drought reduced crop yields, but Mama Koos finds solace in the SRCS' continued support."Despite the drought hurting our crops, their continued support gives us hope,” she says. “They generously provided four hours of ploughing for my land, allowing me to harvest corn a second time this season.”The drought's effects are undeniable, but SRCS' support has demonstrably made a difference. The community's corn residue, used for animal feed, ensures the well-being of the remaining livestock, a vital part of their livelihood. With healthy animals, the village can rebuild herds, rebuild their economic engine, and secure a future they wouldn't be at the mercy of the elements.

A severe and prolonged cold spell in Mongolia – known as the ‘dzud’ – is taking a deep toll on rural livestock herders

In the heart of the dzud-affected region of Sukhbaatar Province in Mongolia, families that rely on livestock herding to survive are watching in despair as they witness their animals perish by the day due to cold and excessive snow cover.The Khurelbaatarfamily, for example, has been heavily hit by this year’s unprecendented dzud. The family of five has seen their once-thriving herd reduced from over 400 animals to less than 100 since the start of winter.“The ground is completely blanketed by thick snow, which undergoes a daily thaw-freeze cycle, creating icy conditions that damage animal hooves,” saysKhurelbaatar B, a herder of Sukhbaatar province.“Starved and exhausted pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable,”he adds. “Without assistance, many succumb overnight, often several at a time. Simply moving them and providing hay or fodder is likely not enough due to their weakened state.”The father in a family of five, Khurelbaatar, points out a particularly sombre spot near his house, where in heartbreaking silence lay the carefully stocked carcases of the animals that succumbed to the harsh winter conditions. Most herder households in the area have a simlar spot.While Khurelbaataris eligible to receive a government disability subsidy of about CHF 80 per month, the loss of the family’s livestock has resulted in a significant decrease in their assets and income.The shortage of cash has hindered their ability to purchase food and basic items, leaving them struggling to repay the bank loan they took to buy hay and fodder for their animals.To alleviate the immediate crisis, the family received an animal care kit and bought hay with the multi-purpose cash assistance provided by the Mongolian Red Cross Society with funding from the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance of USAID. The hay will sustain them for three weeks.During a recent visit, a Mongolian Red Cross team provided a tarpaulin donated by the Korean Red Cross, to serve as a roof for the couple's animal shelter. This shelter can hopefully protect the remaining livestock from the bone-chilling winds that plague the region.The family remains determined and resilient, but challenges remain. Unsure of how they will overcome their current struggles and meet future obligations, this household faces uncertainty.The IFRC, Mongolian Red Cross and our partners are committed to supporting families like these throughout their journey to recovery. The IFRC has released CHF 500,000 from the IFRC-DREF fund in early February and launched anEmergency Appeal for CHF 4.5 million on 15 March 2024.The crisis is impacting large areas of the country. The Tumurzurkh family in Dornod province, for example, started experiencing heavy snowfall and extreme cold since November 2023.The family is residing in a modest winter house with one room and a small kitchen area.With no running water, they rely on a nearby well for their water supply. Access to the well had been blocked by snow for an extended period, however, and as a result, the family faced the arduous task of melting snow to provide themselves and their livestock with drinking water.With 400 animals at the start of the winter, the family had experienced gradual losses due to the challenging winter conditions. They’ve lost more than 70 livestock already and are losing an average of 1 to 3 animals daily.Both the husband and wife receive a state pension. However, they also carried a bank loan with a high interest rate. Now they are uncertain about how they will make the upcoming payments.The family expects to receive some hay and fodder support from local authorities but this has not been provided so far. To be able to continue to feed their livestock, they had to purchase hay and fodder, but that was expected to last only for a couple of days. The family expressed hope that the snow would soon melt, allowing the grass to grow and the animals to graze naturally. They longed for a return to more favorable conditions that would mitigate their daily losses. However, the reality of their situation was evident as we witnessed the accumulation of deceased animals near their home, awaiting collection by the government.