Poor families feel the pinch in Algeria

By Lamine Chikhi

ALGIERS Oct 15 (Reuters Life!) - Oil-rich Algeria slashed poverty after emerging from a brutal civil conflict, yet living costs are on the rise again and charities are stepping in to help poor families get by.

With a monthly wage equivalent to 120 euros from his job as a security guard, the father of five-year-old Abdou could not afford to celebrate his son's circumcision and charity Ihsan offered to help.

Circumcision is an essential rite for boys in the overwhelmingly Muslim country and parents often feel under pressure to throw a good party for family and friends.

"I simply can't afford it," said Abdou's father, who asked not to be identified as he did not want to be associated with poverty.

Ihsan hired a room in a five-star Algiers hotel for Abdou after his circumcision in hospital and laid on almond sweets, mint tea and a band playing classical Algerian music.

Wearing a spotless white traditional gandoura robe, the boy stood quietly near his parents, transfixed by the hotel's bright lights.

Ihsan laid on the party for 30 boys a cost of 200 euros each, excluding the hotel hire. Most of the children were orphans.

"The place is so beautiful. It is a palace. Being here is like a dream for my family and for Abdou too," said Abdou's father.