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Tribune News Network
Doha
A HUMANITARIAN delegation from Qatar Charity (QC) headed by Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz al Thani has visited Somalia to observe the situation there, launch a number of relief projects and meet with the Prime Minister of Somalia and other officials.
The delegation included Jasem al Jasem, advisor to the Executive Manager of Qatar Charity; Mansour Dafaa, advisor of International Arbitration and a member of the General Assembly of Qatar Charity; Ahmed Saleh Alali, Qatar Charity's Media manager, Nayef Alanzy and other media contributors, including Abdellah Anzy, Ahmed Abdellah, Sayed Hussam Rowhy, Abdullah Helali and Yaseen Harsi from Marsal Qatar network.
After observing the Somalis' difficult conditions of living, Qatar Charity's delegation launched a number of important humanitarian projects, including opening a kitchen that will serve 7,000 people and launching of an artesian well that will provide drinking water for about 4,000 in drought-devastated areas.
The visit aims at surveying the humanitarian conditions of the people in order to continue distributing humanitarian aid and to mobilise donations for quality and sustained projects.
Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd pointed out that the recent surge of drought has an effect on all aspects of life in Somalia. It has caused a loss of livestock that farmers relied on for daily needs and people take refuge at shelters at cities so that they could find minimal safety and stay alive.
He also praised people who donated for Somalis in need and Qatar Charity's efforts in helping to overcome the catastrophe through its humanitarian projects. He also expressed his hope that this campaign continues as the amount of hardship caused by the surge of drought is high.
Sheikh Hamad also thanked Hamaza bin Hamze, Charg` d'affaires of the Qatari Embassy in Somalia, for facilitating to a successful mission for the Qatar Charity's delegation.
Detailing more on the humanitarian condition in Somalia, Jasem said that the visit was an opportunity for the delegation to observe the hardship of the people in Somalia.
He said,"It is in fact a catastrophe, unbelievable thing. There is a gloomy and heart-breaking situation. Nobody could imagine the existence of people living in such situation.
"Somalis have been suffering for three years because of drought and this is what made the living conditions unbearable. Thousands of families had to take refuge at other areas so that they could have some food or water. Those who couldn't make it are among the dead."
On his part, Dafaa said,"We are not talking about developmental or sustainable projects; these projects are luxurious compared to the real situation that millions of Somalis are living in. We are talking about a piece of bread or a sip of water.
"We visited the place so that we could carry their massage and need to Qataris. After observation, we ask the good people of Qatar to help their brothers and sisters in Somalia and to do it fast.
"Anything could help; digging wells or providing food and medicine. To be thankful for the blessings in our life, we should donate to the poor and needy especially elderly and children. They are at risk of dying every day because of this catastrophic drought. This is what we have witnessed by our own eyes."
Alali said the visit aims to monitor Qatar Charity's projects and to alleviate the suffering of the displaced and provide food for them.
Alanzy, on his part, called on the munificent of the Qatari nation to help Somalis in relieving their crisis.
Ahmed Abdullah said the current drought surge has deteriorated the crisis after the insecurity problem had already prevailed in the country.
It is noteworthy to mention that Qatar Charity has dedicated a radio show called 'Motanafeson' through Quran Station to collect donation to support its humanitarian projects in Somalia.
Many competing teams have joined the show and the audience was very cooperative in donating and interacting positively with show presenters Dr Abdel Rahman Hamy, Sheikh Hamad bin Fahd al Thani, Jasem Aljasem and media contributor Fahed Beshara.
Donors can continue their support via SMS with a text massage containing SOA to 92632 to donate QR50; to 92642 to donate QR200 or to 92428 to donate QR500.
Donation can also be sent via email to qcharity.org, via the hotline; 44667711 or through Qatar Charity collection points and self-service machines at shopping malls.
