News
Publié le 22/01/2025 | Temps de lecture : 3 min
In a difficult economic and social context marked by recurring crises, many vulnerable people in Lebanon are struggling to meet their basic needs. Through its social protection and living conditions improvement project, Première Urgence Internationale helps people like Amal, a 76-year-old widow living in precarious conditions.
Amal, from a small village in southern Lebanon, has lived alone since the death of her husband several years ago. “I’m solely responsible for myself,” she says. With no children or relatives to support her, she earns a small income from the sale of eggs from her hens.
When her hens are stolen, her only source of income suddenly disappears. “I’ve got nothing left,” she admits. Deprived of all resources, the septuagenarian can only rely on the help of her neighbors to survive on a daily basis.
Amal’s situation is not limited to a lack of income: her dilapidated house, with no bathroom or interior doors, and broken windows, exposes her to the elements and the cold. “I didn’t even have a proper kitchen,” she explains. She had to cook over a wood fire for lack of a gas stove, and feared she wouldn’t be able to stand the winter in these conditions.
Alerted by Amal’s situation, the Première Urgence Internationale team went to her home to assess her needs. Amal remembers this first meeting with emotion: “They showed respect and listened to me. I felt considered and not just another case among others”.
She was soon given $90 in emergency financial aid to meet her immediate needs. At the same time, renovations to her home were undertaken to guarantee a minimum of dignity and safety. An accessible bathroom equipped with grab bars was built, while the kitchen was fitted out to improve hygiene.
Before/after Amal’s bathroom renovation
Thanks to these renovations, Amal now enjoys a safe and functional home. “I can move around more easily and cook in good conditions”, she explains, relieved to find a little comfort in her daily life.
In addition to the renovations, Amal has been granted financial assistance of $90 per month for a period of six months, enabling her to cover her essential expenses.
Confident once again, Amal plans to relaunch her egg-selling business. “If I can get a few more hens, I can start selling eggs again”.
She also wants to strengthen her ties with the local community by taking part in meetings and support groups for the elderly. “I’d like to share my experience and learn from others. This support has made such a difference. I feel less worried about the future”.
Amal in front of her house, North Lebanon, September 2024
This support for sustainable improvement in the living conditions of vulnerable populations is part of a project funded by the Bureau de la Population, des Réfugiés et des Migrations (BPRM).