Fatima’s story*

Fatima* in her convenience store in Faqqua Palestine (2019)

13/11/2019

"I NOW GROW VARIOUS VEGETABLES AND HERBS WITHOUT CHEMICAL FERTILIZER"

In the Palestinian province of Jenin (West Bank), unemployment is high and food insecurity is even greater. In this difficult economic circumstance, Caritas stands with vulnerable families, such as Fatima’s*. How do we do this? By offering micro-grants and training.

“I have six children and I became a widow two years ago now. What I earned from my store was not nearly enough to support the entire family,” explains Fatima.

This young women lives in Faqqua, a town held hostage by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in Area A of the West Bank, Palestine.

Her journey and her strength moved her whole town. They believed in her so much that they nominated her for Caritas support as part of the project to strengthen a sustainable and diversified rural economy in the Jenin countryside – and they were right to do so!

Caritas International Belgium Fatima’s story*

About the provided aid she says: “I received a greenhouse of 250 square meters following a training in organic farming. I do not use any chemical fertilizers. I now grow various aromatic vegetables and herbs that I can soon sell in my store.” Depending on the season, this new farm will bring her between 200 and 250 euros per month which is a large part of her household budget.

Stimulated by the positive example of Fatima, other families who experience similar difficulties are also applying for Caritas support. It will then be necessary to carefully discern their capacities, the potentials, and the needs of the market to be able to aid them in the best way and to ensure their businesses succeed.

Alias

As a reminder, the West Bank is divided into three zones: A, B, and C. Zone A is largely controlled by the Palestinian Authority. In zone B, jurisdiction is divided between the Palestinian Authority and Israel. Within Area C Israel controls more than 60% of the area, giving them almost complete control. Although Israeli settlements in the West Bank violate International law, there are now more Israelis than Palestinians in this area.