Crisis in Somalia: Emergency Relief and Medical Aid for Extreme Drought
The need for relief in Somalia and the refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia is great and your partnership is needed during this time of crisis and extreme drought. Together, we have the opportunity to provide emergency relief for those who are suffering from the extreme drought in Somalia and the surrounding refugee camps in Kenya and Ethiopia. The situation in Somalia has reached an extremely critical and frightful level.
More than 10 Million people have been affected by a disastrous drought that has been going on for months. This is the worst drought in 60 years and it continues to ravage eastern Africa. The effects of the drought are largely prominent in Somalia, which has lacked an effective government since 1991. The situation in Somalia in particular is the “worst humanitarian disaster in the world,” the U.N. refugee agency said on Sunday, and child deaths at refugee camps are spiking to three times average emergency levels. When and if the families reach the camps, they are malnourished and emaciated.
We have realized that we cannot sit back and watch this disaster take place right in front of our eyes. The Washington State Somali Community and their allies has recognized a need to organize and raise money and resources for these people who are in a life and death situation. We will put together an event that has been long overdue, to raise money to help millions affected by the drought and raise money from our families, friends and acquaintances. Our ultimate goal is to raise $30,000.
The African Future has estimated that it will cost less than $1 per day to provide life-saving help to 1,000 people for one precious month. It is urgent that we provide drinking water, emergency dry rations, cooking oil and medical supplies.
Poem
Today, I stand
and stare into the eyes
of injustice and
watch as they blink first
Today, I implement mental blocks
that alleviate images of
abstract thoughts
Today, I seize my pen
as it bleeds metaphors
that sympathize
with victims near the shores
where famine lays its siege
and dehydration infiltrates
like armed militia
Today, I’ll write
constantly because of
drought
conflict
and poverty
I’ll write, in this flimsy notebook
to eradicate ambiguous assertions
with phrases and words
as words DO matter
because if the Ummah is a body
and life is a test
with Muslims in duress
how could pain not flow like the ink from my pen
how could it not bleed through my text like a threat
leaving imprints on pages I haven’t even wrote on yet
BY: Abdisalan Yusuf
Events
10K Walk-A-Thon
The Walk-a-thon will help raise awareness, funds and resources for the drought victims of Somalia. Please contact Maryan Abdow or Ubax Gardheere for details.
Maryan Abdow: maryanabdow2008@hotmail.com
Ubax Gardheere: ubaxga@gmail.com
Car Wash
“One car washed equals a week of food for a family in Somalia. Let us wash your car and you can wash their tears. Help us make a difference and donate money to the drought victims.”
Where: Abu-Bakr Islamic Center
14101 Tukwila, WA 98168
July 26th- 29th 2011
11:00am – 4:30pm
Save the Children
Contact Person
Anab Hersi
Email: seattle@feedsomalia.com