Pests and bad weather made farming and supporting a family difficult for Suliman.

WEST BANK – At an age when most would be retired, it seems that Suliman’s work load is getting harder, not easier.

The 70-year-old survives off the crops that he grows, but lately, this seasoned farmer has been struggling to keep them alive.

“Bugs eat the seeds I plant and kill my cabbage, and if they don't, the changing weather will,” Suliman said.

But the pests and weather aren’t the only critical issues. This source of food and income is especially important because Suliman is also taking care of his disabled son and granddaughter.

He is dependent on healthy crops to feed his family and keep a roof over their head. And at his age, it is harder than ever for him to fight these pests and work the hours necessary to keep the weather from damaging his crops. 

“I am ok with a simple life,” he said. “If I can feed my son and my granddaughter, I am satisfied.”

“This gives us hope for our future. You have made my dream come true,” he said.

When Operation Blessing learned about Suliman's struggles and his heroic commitment to provide for his family in his old age, they stepped in to help, offering Suliman the perfect solution: a new greenhouse.

Suliman now has layers of year-round protection against the bugs and weather. The greenhouse has screened-in walls which allow a breeze to pass through during the hot summer, and when the weather turns cold, he can close the plastic sides to protect his plants. The sides also keep most of the bugs off—and for the few that sneak in, he is able to hang insect strips to catch them.  

“Before I could only grow vegetables in the summer, now I can grow them in all seasons,” Suliman said happily. “This will increase my income."

And perhaps even better, Suliman now has something to pass down to his grandchildren so they can provide for their family’s future.

"This greenhouse will allow me to teach my grandsons about agriculture, so that they can care for our family when I no longer can. This gives us hope for our future. You have made my dream come true.”

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This microenterprise venture is one of many Operation Blessing projects touching lives around the world. You can be a part of improving the quality of life for impoverished communities by supporting these and other life-changing programs.

 

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