Akmel Tewfik was born
in 2001, and he is one of a family of 2 children. The family
lives in a house made of mud walls with a grass thatched roof. Akmel's family is Muslim and they speak
Siltigna.
Most families in Azernet Berbere, where Akmel lives, depend on
agriculture and livestock rearing for income, but environmental
degradation has impacted on both these areas, making it
difficult to survive on this alone. Many men move to towns for
work, leaving the women to take care of their families and
crops. The main crops grown here are barley and pulses, which
are sold for income. Wheat and inset (like banana) are grown
for food. People mainly eat cabbage with bread, or kocho - made
from cabbage and inset.
There are few schools in the area, and those that exist are
poorly maintained, lacking trained staff and equipment. The
distance and landscape makes it difficult for many children to
get to school. Girls' education is especially neglected -
females are discriminated in all aspects of life in the family
and community. Unfortunately Akmel does not attend school.
Access to health care is poor - equipment, trained staff and
basic drugs are not available in the few health posts in the
area. Waterborne diseases are prevalent because of lack of
access to safe, clean water. Women and girls walk long
distances to collect water from unprotected springs which dry up
during the dry season.
ActionAid is working with the local community in Azernet Berbere
and the government to build skills and knowledge through local
groups. This will enable families, like Akmel's, to tackle
issues like discrimination, the provision of basic services and
improve food production. |
