Refugee children line up for meals; though the menu rarely changes, each serving is hard-won and a lifeline for children in this extremely poor country. (Children, front) | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Struggling to Survive Amid Aid Cuts

In 2025, the United Nations Global Humanitarian Overview highlighted a sharp reduction in international aid to Ethiopia. Major donors such as the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have all scaled back funding this year, leaving an estimated 79 million people in Ethiopia without assistance.

In the town of Debre Birhan, three refugee camps shelter around 20,000 people. While some refugees manage to find occasional work, jobs are unstable and scarce. A fortunate few have joined vocational training programs run by charities, learning skills like tailoring or running small shops. However, the vast majority depend on food packages from the government and charities, or sporadic meals provided by local churches.

Children and Families Facing Hardship

Many children in these camps have lost their parents. In the cramped quarters of the refugee camps, they huddle together, their living conditions growing even more difficult as international support dwindles.

Refugee children who have lost their parents squeeze together in the crowded camp. As international aid shrinks, their struggle for survival becomes even harder. | Photo: Tzu Chi Foundation

Community Support and Lifesaving Meals

Since July 2022, Tzu Chi has partnered with the local charity Kidmia to provide meals for refugees and children’s classes, as well as donating 50 baking trays to help with cooking. For the second half of this year, from July to December, the program aims to provide meals for 1,350 children and distribute food packages to 3,000 with disabilities.

On June 30, when the food supplies arrived, both adults and children helped unload the goods. For these families, this food is a lifeline. In such harsh conditions, a simple vegetarian curry soup with bread is considered a delicacy. Every meal delivered is a source of strength, helping them endure and move forward.

A Lifeline in Uncertain Times

As international aid continues to shrink, the support from local organizations and volunteers has become even more vital for Ethiopia’s refugees. For children and families facing daily uncertainty, each meal is not just nourishment, but a sign that they are not forgotten.

Written by Yu-Zhen Pan (潘俞臻)

Translated by Stella Li (李淑敏)

Source: 國際物資縮水非洲難民急待援 慈濟攜手積米亞送救命糧