In June 2024, the Islamic holiday, Eid-ul-Adha, became much more festive for many families in Togo. Meat donated for sacrifice by Muslims as a part of the holiday was dispersed to families struggling with hunger and food insecurity.
Each year, LIFE’s Udhiyah program provides packets of fresh meat to underprivileged people worldwide. In 2024, the program reached struggling families in 34 countries, including Togo. In Togo alone, approximately 5000 people benefited from the meat distribution, as 1000 packets, each containing 5 kg (11 lbs) of meat, were successfully distributed to families.
Amina, a widow with three young children, lives in a small house. Every day, she struggles to provide food for her family. This year, during Eid al-Adha, LIFE knocked on her door to give her a large portion of fresh Udhiyah meat. Tears welled up in Amina's eyes as she accepted the precious gift of nourishing food for her young family.
Amina and her parents, know the heartbreak of being unable to feed their children. In Togo, prolonged droughts and disease epidemics have devastated livelihoods and access to food. Poverty has long been a battle in Togo, particularly in rural communities. According to the World Bank (2023), extreme poverty has increased to 30.6 percent nationally in Togo and 45.9 percent in rural areas. Now, Togo is facing unprecedented levels of severe food insecurity and malnutrition.
In Togo, over 23 percent of children under 5 are chronically malnourished. Children sleeping on empty stomachs is not just uncomfortable but can be life-altering. Stunting is more than a child not reaching their potential height or weight; it also hinders brain development. Children affected by malnutrition are shown to have lower IQs.
Additionally, hungry children cannot attend school regularly and are often sent to work to help earn money to feed themselves. In Togo, around 30% of children aged 5 to 14 are forced into the workforce. Most children from rural areas work on family farms, while those who live in urban areas tend to work in small-scale trading or domestic service. Rock quarries also employ children, often making them transport heavy stones or extract sand used to produce bricks.
LIFE's Udhiyah program is thriving thanks to the generosity and compassion of our donors. Throughout the year, we strive to provide relief and spread hope for a better future. Please consider donating today to give life-saving food to those who need it most.
