How a widow and her family benefit from Anera’s greenhouse project
When Habiba Mazyed found herself a widow at 70, she worried about how she could care for her four children. Thanks to Anera’s greenhouse program, that is no longer a worry. She is looking forward to starting the agricultural project with her daughter Nada and her son Tayseer after the greenhouse is installed in her garden.
"I can't wait to start growing everything," Habiba says with a grin as she looks at the greenhouse.
"I have always dreamt of having a greenhouse so we can grow and benefit crops even out of season."
Habiba says she’ll wait until mid-September to start planting. A first crop? Tomatoes were suggested by the Anera agriculture team.
Anera had visited the family’s home garden the month before and agreed to install the greenhouse. "We didn't have to wait long at all," Habiba says.
"I have always dreamt of having a greenhouse so we can grow and benefit crops even out of season."
Habiba explains that her garden is her only source of income. “My daughter Nada, who runs the greenhouse project, is divorced and has two children. And, with my years of experience in the fields, I will help her."
Habiba says she has grown various crops such as peas, potatoes, green peppers, eggplant, cabbage and cauliflower and used to sell them to help take care of her family’s needs.
"I can't wait to start growing everything.”
"Women in Gaza have a big responsibility for their families but we need a lot of moral and material support." Habiba says projects like Anera’s greenhouse really benefit widows like her and divorcees like her daughter who have to manage on their own.
Habiba's eldest, 42-year-old Tayseer, considers the greenhouse their "family business" that they all share in taking care of. "We thank Anera so much for contributing the greenhouse and we can’t wait to get started.”
The project will evolve in stages, from installing the greenhouse to developing the irrigation system and solar energy for whatever power is needed.
Habiba is confident of success. "There are always challenges at the beginning but we are very excited about the future.”
"We are very excited about the future."
