Now I can buy whatever I need

They arrived at the football court on the outskirts of Beirut in the early morning, with millions of questions. The reason? A distribution of a single ATM card – the LOUISE common card - that would help them access all cash-based aid programs for which they are eligible. “I didn’t close an eye all night, I wasn’t sure what to expect”, says Fodda, a Syrian refugee, mother of three. ”But now I’m more confident and relaxed”. An hour later, Fodda is a proud cardholder, herself deciding which needs of her children and how to spend the cash she’s been provided with. Maya and Stephen from UNICEF’s Communication team, met with Fodda and some of the other refugees in Khaldeh that day, as well as the staff handing out the LOUISE common cards.

Text: Maya Outayek

Photos: Stephen Gerard Kelly