LEBANON / CASH CARD ASSISTANCE

To assist Syrian refugees in Lebanon more safely and efficiently, UNHCR has been distributing ATM cards that can be used to access cash grants. It’s a new technology for some refugees. UNCHR

• Categories: News & Features / News Stories / Unifeed
• Video Length: 00:02:31
• Production Date: 3 February 2014
• Asset Language: Original
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES - UNHCR
• Subject Topical: REFUGEES; DISPLACED PERSONS
• Geographic Subject: LEBANON; SYRIA
• MAMS Id: U140203d

Description

STORY: LEBANON / CASH CARD ASSISTANCE
TRT: 2.31
SOURCE: UNHCR
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ARABIC / ENGLISH / NATS

Shotlist

DATELINE: 23 JANARY 2014, MOUNT LEBANON, LEBANON

1. Various shots, informal tented settlement
2. Wide shot, mobile supermarket truck
3. Various shots, food and cans
4. Various shots, Abu Ahmed and his daughter inside their tent
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abu Ahmed, Syrian Refugee:
“The cash card has been real help, the difference is that instead of going all the way to the place where we have to get the cash from, the card stays with you in your pocket for few years I think, for four years, it’s much better, a lot less hassle.”
6. Various shots, Syrian refugees
7. Various shots, UNHCR staff speaking to refugees
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Nour Fakih, UNHCR staff in Lebanon:
“When we actually met the families after they used the cards, we kept asking them ‘how was the experience’ and they say sometimes we ask people around us, the Lebanese or host communities to actually teach us how to use the cards, so it was interesting.”
9. Wide shot, UNHCR staff speaking to refugees
10. Various shots, Nouk Qamber’s family in their tent
11. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nourk Qamber, Syrian refugee:
“I really benefited from the cash card, I bought a heater and other winter supplies.”
12. Various shots, Syrian man using ATM card

Storyline

UNHCR introduced a new way of getting aid money to Syrian refugees in Lebanon in the form of a cash card (ATM card). To most of the refugee families this was the first time they had used such technology.

The card payment scheme started in December 2013 as part of the winterization campaign where each family receives 150$ for the first month to help them buy heater and fuel.

The winterization campaign runs until March, but UNHCR intends to continue using the ATM cards to deliver cash aid. The cards have a four year shelf life and a hotline has been set up for lost cards and for troubleshooting.

The outskirts of Beirut is home to dozens of Syrian refugee families. Buying the weekly shopping here means waiting for the grocery van to pass by. A mini mobile supermarket that allows families to buy now, pay later.

Abu Ahmed has 4 daughters. Unable to find work, he has struggled to provide for his family.

The winter cash aid he has been getting is the family’s only lifeline.

Cash aid comes once a month and collecting the much needed aid has recently become simpler with the introduction of a technology that is common to most, but new to many refugees. A cash card.

SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Abu Ahmed, Syrian Refugee:
“The cash card has been real help, the difference is that instead of going all the way to the place where we have to get the cash from, the card stays with you in your pocket for few years I think, for four years, it’s much better, a lot less hassle.”

After successful run in Jordan, the cash card is being implemented across Lebanon. The card is credited automatically and cash can be withdrawn from any local bank. For many here, this is their first time using such technology. Families were trained on how to use the card and feedback so far is positive.

SOUNDBITE (English) Nour Fakih, UNHCR staff in Lebanon:
“When we actually met the families after they used the cards, we kept asking them ‘how was the experience’ and they say sometimes we ask people around us, the Lebanese or host communities to actually teach us how to use the cards, so it was interesting.”

A hotline has been set up for troubleshooting and for reporting lost or stolen cards.

Carrying her 2-day old baby on her arm, Nouk Qamber, fled Syria with her family at the start of the conflict.
Three years on, the family has a new member, Malik – born a refugee, in Lebanon.

SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Nourk Qamber, Syrian refugee:
“I really benefited from the cash card, I bought a heater and other winter supplies.”

The ATM cards were given out as part of UNHCR’s winterization efforts. A measure, that has made the lives of thousands just a little easier. The plan is to continue using them in the future for the delivery of other cash assistance.