Every penny counts: Supporting El Fadil as he cares for his children
Every penny counts: Supporting El Fadil as he cares for his children
Sudanese refugee El Fadil with his daughter Areej, 6, and his son Ezzedine, 3, in their home in Amman.
Imagine having to flee your country, rebuild your life from scratch, support your wife and children, and struggle to find work despite your education. This was the reality for El Fadil and his family. So when a few years ago, he received a text message informing him that they would start receiving UNHCR cash assistance; it brought a moment of relief, amid financial pressures.
"We were all smiling, we were so happy, we celebrated because we knew it was going to make our lives easier."
Seeking safety in Jordan
El Fadil, 38 years old, was born in Darfur, Sudan and raised in an internally displaced persons camp there before moving to Khartoum, Sudan to study accounting at university. As a student, El Fadil joined protests against the government and says he subsequently faced harassment from the authorities. He left Sudan in 2018 and chose Jordan, after considering several other neighboring countries.
"Jordan was the safest place to seek refuge," he said.
A year later, Fathiya, now 29 years old, joined him in Jordan. They later had two children, Areej, 6, and Ezzedine, 3.
Fathiya, 29, from Darfur (Sudan), watches over her son, Ezzedine, outside their apartment in Amman.
Caring for a daughter with significant health needs
Like many refugee families, they have struggled to rebuild their lives while coping with mounting expenses and limited livelihood opportunities. Despite holding a degree in accounting, El Fadil has been unable to secure employment.
The family's financial pressures are compounded by Areej's medical condition. Born in Jordan, she has brain atrophy, respiratory complications and reflux, requiring round-the-clock care from her parents.
El Fadil places his daughter, Areej, in a supportive standing frame that helps her stand upright and supports her posture.
The family was identified by UNHCR for support due to a combination of vulnerabilities, including Areej's disability and complex medical condition, the presence of young children in the household, limited opportunities for self-reliance, and the family's severe financial hardship.
With the 125 JOD (176 USD) they receive from UNHCR each month, El Fadil and Fathiya cover some of their family's most urgent needs, particularly those of their daughter, Areej.
"The first priority when I receive cash assistance is my daughter’s medical expenses." said El Fadil.
Because of her medical condition, she takes daily medication to prevent epileptic seizures and manage reflux, while her diet consists mainly of liquid food and specialized milk supplements. Every month, approximately 82 JOD (115 USD) is spent on Areej's medicines and nutritional supplements. In addition to her daily medication and specialized nutrition, doctors have recommended three different therapies, (occupational, speech, and physical). However, the cost of maintaining the regular therapy schedule she needs is far beyond what the family can afford.
Medical bills and pharmacy receipts collected by the family over the years, covering Areej's healthcare.
Choosing between rent, food and medicine
After covering Areej's medical needs each month, little remains for the family's other expenses. El Fadil and Fathiya are often left with impossible choices between paying rent, covering utilities or buying food.
The family of four lives in a modest one-bedroom apartment in Amman. Having a stable place to live is particularly important for Areej, who experiences respiratory problems and benefits from good air circulation.
Yet, their monthly rent is 120 JOD (169 USD), with utilities costing approximately 25 JOD (35 USD). They are currently behind on rent and utility payments. This inability to consistently cover housing costs has forced the family to relocate frequently, moving between more than nine different apartments since 2023.
A lifeline made possible through Refugee Zakat Fund
Despite the challenges, El Fadil remains grateful for the support that allows his family to meet some of their most pressing needs and which offers a degree of predictability and reassurance that they are not facing hardship alone.
"Although it's not enough [UNHCR’s cash assistance], you feel like you have someone as your backbone. We are extremely happy that we receive this assistance."
Areej, 6, Sudanese refugee, in her apartment in Amman.
Through the partnership with Humaniti Foundation, vulnerable refugee families in Jordan receive vital cash assistance. Supported by Zakat donations, families like El Fadil's can cover urgent needs, from medical expenses and rent to food and other essentials.