Imagine fleeing your home, leaving everything you've ever known behind in search of safety, only to find yourself in a foreign land, unsure of where your next meal will come from. This is the reality for tens of thousands of refugees who have found a temporary haven in Armenia. Amid this humanitarian crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) has emerged as a beacon of hope, providing essential food assistance and support. However, with funds depleting, WFP now requires USD 13.9 million to continue its emergency response efforts from February to July 2024.
Since the influx of refugees three months ago, the WFP has been on the front lines, delivering food assistance to 58,811 individuals. This support has not only been about alleviating hunger but also about restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity to those who have lost everything. The next cycle of in-kind food aid is set to reach approximately 40,000 refugees through March, with an additional plan to provide food card assistance to about 21,000 refugees, who are most food-insecure.
Yet, the challenge is far from over. The WFP's efforts to meet the burgeoning needs of these vulnerable populations hinge on the availability of funds. The required USD 13.9 million is not just a number—it represents the hope, well-being, and future of tens of thousands of individuals seeking refuge and a fresh start in Armenia.
WFP's intervention in Armenia goes beyond merely providing food; it's about building resilience and fostering a healthier future for the refugee population. In Gegharkunik province, for example, WFP is promoting wholegrain wheat products. By training bakery staff and school cooks on using wholegrain wheat, supported by the 'Kenats Hats' Wholegrain Academy, founded with WFP's help in 2022, the program aims not only to improve nutrition but also to stimulate local economies.
Moreover, the introduction of a Healthy Lifestyle curriculum targeting fifth and eighth-grade students in Armenian schools is a forward-thinking move. This initiative promotes healthy eating habits, physical activity, and sports, setting the foundation for a healthier, more active generation. With plans to expand this curriculum, WFP is planting seeds for sustainable change that goes beyond immediate food relief.
As the WFP strives to navigate the complexities of this humanitarian crisis, the path forward is clear: support from the international community is paramount. The plight of refugees in Armenia is a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the profound impact of collective action. The USD 13.9 million required by the WFP is more than a financial goal; it's a lifeline that can ensure the continuation of these vital programs.
With every donation, we inch closer to a world where no individual has to worry about their next meal, where children can thrive and learn in a supportive environment, and where communities can begin to rebuild. The time to act is now, to ensure that the WFP can continue its crucial work in Armenia, offering hope and tangible support to those who need it most.
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/armenia/wfp-seeks-139-million-to-sustain-lifeline-for-refugees-in-armenia-amid-growing-needs