What’s it like to receive emergency support?

‘Relying on emergency support is shameful. But I have no other choice.’

This blog by Aimee Nott, All We Can’s Fundraising and Marketing Officer, is part of All We Can’s ‘Rethinking Disasters’ micro-blog series.

These words ‘relying on emergency is shameful’ echo in my head whenever I think about disasters and humanitarian relief. They were shared to me on a windy November morning, in a remote village in the central Ethiopian highlands by a farmer named Urge. A father of six, Urge’s life has been defined by a changing climate, and the droughts that so many of us associate with Ethiopia, thanks in no small part to Live Aid and Bob Geldof.

Receiving life-saving emergency support not a source of joy for him, but rather one of shame. His heart’s desire is to support his family himself, through his own efforts, and have no need for additional help. Building resilience in communities like Urge’s so that they can stand firm in the face of disasters like drought and famine is key to helping people fulfil their God-given potential.

Aimee Nott is All We Can’s Fundraising and Marketing Officer, and has been with All We Can since 2017. Last year she travelled to Ethiopia with All We Can, and saw first-hand the devastating impact climate change is having on some of the world’s poorest communities.