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Of: TT
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Photo: Amir Nabizadeh / TT
Mariama Johansson and Mohammed, 1.5 years old, browse Christmas gifts at the Stockholm City Mission Christmas gift shop, which is for vulnerable families.
Corona has hit the mother of five Mariama Johansson hard. You cannot complete your education and your job opportunities have been frozen inside. But thanks to Stockholm City Mission Christmas gifts for kids and gift cards for food, the family can still celebrate a Christmas with ease.
Mariama Johansson has long been a frequent visitor to the Unga station in Vårberg, which is a meeting place for parents, children and young people with difficulties.
– It is so good and fun there, the children have friends and when they are happy I feel good. It’s like a second home, he says.
But during the pandemic when the Public Health Agency tightened the general guidelines, the activity cannot be open to groups, which meant that Mariama Johansson could not go there with her youngest son Mohammed, 1.5 years old, and Ida, soon 4 years, as he usually does.
Is isolated
– We were just there and picked up food packages. I hope the crown passes soon. It affects us the poor. You are isolated and life is not as usual, says Mariama Johansson.
He has five children, one of whom is traveling and two live with his father. Mariama and the two youngest children live with their mother, who pays the full rent for the third where Mariama and the children live in one room.
– I am 41 years old and of course I want to help. But now it is not possible. I only have the child allowance and SEK 500 in housing allowance, he says.
The money isn’t even enough to put food on the table, but it’s thanks to the Stockholm City Mission food bags and food gift cards and the church that they don’t go hungry.
– I usually make pots and freeze them. They last a long time, she says.
Difficult situation
Additionally, she also received a gift card at the Stockholm City Mission Thrift Store, where she purchased a bright red winter jumpsuit and warm boots for Mohammed.
– My jacket and my stroller have been donated by people, he says.
The pandemic has made it difficult for him to get out of the situation. Partly because she is unable to complete her education as a nursing assistant as she has difficulty completing distance education. Partly because her former employer, who said she was welcome after paternity leave, is on her knees financially.
Before Christmas, the economy is under increased pressure as children want Christmas presents.
– Ida wants Barbie dolls and dolls for the doll’s closet, and cars and books from Mohammed. We will see how it develops. I have a sister with whom we usually celebrate. I will try to do everything right. I am very glad I received help.
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