[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”As a result of the lockdown in Egypt, an estimated 80% of the nation’s Christian population lost their employment.” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_single_image image=”121199″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text]02/03/2021 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – One of the most devastating impacts of COVID-19 has undoubtedly been the economic toll it has taken. Businesses have shut their doors, employees have been laid off, and hours have been cut. In many persecuted communities, Christians have felt the pain of this financial downturn more acutely.
As a result of the lockdown in Egypt, an estimated 80% of the nation’s Christian population lost their employment overnight. By
comparison, in April, Egypt’s unemployment rate across the entire population was 9.2%. Many Egyptian families that suffer a blow to their income are forced to send their children out into the workforce. Although this relieves their immediate struggles, the
child is forced to abandon his or her education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. One family that suffered the impact of Egypt’s lockdown was Maher and his wife Teraza.
Prior to COVID-19, Maher worked in a local quarry as a stone cutter. Once he was cut off from his source of income, he knew he needed to switch paths in order to provide for his wife and four children, ranging between the ages of 13 and six. Through your support, we provided Maher with five sheep that he can breed, raise, and sell in the local market. We also provided him with fodder and rent for a piece of land.
Not only will this livestock business alleviate the immediate financial burden on Maher and his family, it will do so in a sustainable manner. Because he will be breeding the sheep and selling the lambs, there will always be an incoming source of revenue. This will help Maher keep food on the table for years to come and eliminate the need for his children to enter the labor force prematurely.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1612358336282{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]
For interviews please contact Alison Garcia: press@persecution.org
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