As we approach this year’s Family Fast Day Appeal and share an inspiring story about Daniel, a hardworking young man from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, we want to share with you an update on Meera, whose story touched many of you last year.
Meera and her baby Marwi
When flooding hit Pakistan two years ago, Dr Nasha and her team travelled hundreds of miles to treat people who needed medical help after the disaster. That is where they met Meera.
You may recall how Meera and her family were affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan. She gave birth to her baby Marwi during the flood. Dr Nasha gave her medicine for her children and supplements to stay healthy. Although they are working hard to recover what they have lost in the floods, the impact of the flood continues to weigh heavily on them. They lost their home, their livelihood, and the fodder for their livestock was destroyed. Despite this she found hope.
“My baby is now two years old, healthy and doing well...The main difference between the time of the flood and now is that, while we were homeless and living in camps along the roadside, we are now living in our own home.”
Though they now have a roof over their heads, their economic situation remains challenging. Meera's husband, a mason by profession, often travels to Samaro town in search of work, leaving Meera to care for their five children and their livestock. She frequently visits Taluka Hospital in Samaro for medical treatment for both her and her children.
Thanks to the generous donations last Harvest, our local experts have been able to provide vital assistance to those who need it most, like Meera and her baby. Despite the lingering effects of the flood, Meera received the care she needed, with CAFOD and its partners providing essential medical services and medicine through the free medical camps. This support was invaluable, particularly after her pregnancy when the family was struggling financially.
With the help of our local experts, Meera found hope during this crisis:
“Hope, to me, is the belief that our circumstances will improve, leading to a better life. It means envisioning a future where we have a permanent home, my children can receive a proper education, and we no longer have to live with uncertainty.”
This Harvest, you will hear more about another story of hope from a hardworking young man, Daniel.
Daniel’s story
Daniel, a young man from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, grew up with a lack of opportunities and education. His family was struggling to afford food and unable to send him to school. Despite these challenges, Daniel was determined to support his family. His life took a positive turn when he joined a CAFOD-funded training programme. Through Daniel’s hard work and determination, he learned to make furniture and now has his own workshop, carving a brighter future for himself and his family.