Chefo Huka Ramata

My name is Chefo Huka Ramata. I am 75 years old. I live in Borena Zone, Elweya District, Cheree Kebele, and I used to live in a village called Cheree Kebele Rufai village. My wife’s name is Ado Chefoo, and we have seven children. We have three boys and four girls, one of them is married and the other six live with me. Before I came here because of the drought, I used to raise cattle. I had 50 cattle, 12 camels, and 30 goats and my family’s life depended on them. When the drought hit, they all died one by one. When I left empty-handed, we walked for four hours to save our lives and get support. We spent two years and one season here. The district has provided us flour and other organizations have also provided support food for consumption. One day, in the area where I live, an organization called HelpAge, which provides financial assistance to older people, was nominated through the selection and complaint committee. Then two people were selected in the village, where I live, I was the one and we were given 6900 birr for three rounds, a total of 20,700 birr. In the first round, I bought two goats and food to keep my family alive. In the second round, I bought a goat and food items. In the third round, I bought a goat. I sold three and left two. With the money I sold, I bought food. I spent the rest on medical treatment and medicine while I got hypertension. I can’t work here at this age and replace my lost wealth, but I will try to maintain my life. Thank you HelpAge for saving my life and that of my family. May God give you long life and health. You protect us from dying!