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A Tearfund story
Like millions of other ten- and eleven-year-olds around the world, brothers Frédéric and Lionel in the Central African Republic (CAR) love to play football and run around outside. They also love Christmas!
‘Christmas is the day when people eat good food. That day, you can eat fish, meat and rice,’ says Frédéric.
Lionel adds, ‘I like Christmas as it is a time for celebrations, and children receive gifts, and we eat good food!’
But, for Frédéric and Lionel, this year their anticipation is clouded by worries.
‘Last Christmas, our mother didn’t have money to buy us anything,’ explains Lionel. ‘I pray that God gives her money so that she can buy us gifts this year. I pray that God protects our mother so she can stay healthy and be with us. I pray that our situation will be better this Christmas.’
‘Lionel was only two, and Frédéric was one and a half when [their father] died,’ explains Valerie, the boys’ mother. ‘It broke my heart because we had so many plans for them, and suddenly, everything was gone. Even now, thinking about it makes me cry. I worry about how my children will manage in life and what will become of them.
‘How will I pay for their school fees? Will they get a good education? Will they find good jobs? Will God give me the strength to work hard and provide a house for them?’
‘It’s difficult to get something to eat. Some days we don’t eat at all,’ Frédéric tells us. ‘I want to go to school so I can work and earn money, even become the president so I can build a house for my mother and buy her clothes, shoes and plates. My mother is suffering a lot. I want to take care of her. Please pray for us.’
‘My five older children had to go and live with friends,’ says Valerie. ‘Now, I live in a small room with my two children in the house of one of the ladies from the church.
‘I look at my life and my children’s lives, wondering if I’ll succeed or even live to see them do well.’
Some practical hope has come for Valerie since she joined a group called the Strong Women, set up as a result of training from Tearfund.
‘I feel amazing when I’m with these women,’ she says. ‘Hearing good advice from their training has opened up so many opportunities for me. I feel joyful now and no longer alone.
‘Through the group, we’ve learnt many skills, like making soap and sewing.’ The group also saves money together, and Valerie says, ‘We try to think long-term about how to use our money.
‘During our meetings, we hear inspiring stories from those who have started different businesses. People admire how united and supportive we are to each other.
‘Now, I’m full of strength and happiness, and I’m not sad,’ smiles Valerie. ‘How I take care of my children and our lives will keep improving because of what I’ve learnt from the group. I’m sure my family will do well thanks to the advice, training and skills I’ve gained.’
Find out more about Tearfund’s work helping families like Valerie’s here.
