The enduring drought in Somalia has compelled families in the Banadir region to escape alongside their loved ones. For Mahad and Halima’s family, this situation has reached its climax, triggering intense soul-searching, anxiety, fear, and a challenging dilemma regarding what the future holds if they abandon their homes entirely. After engaging in lengthy discussions, they ultimately decided to seek refuge in Mogadishu, hoping to find relief and assistance from NGOs, as they have lost virtually everything, including their animals. Mahad and Halima, aged six and four respectively, are among the children profoundly affected, along with their entire family.
Mahad and his siblings relied on their mother, who served as the sole breadwinner of the family. She worked as a cook in one of the IDP kitchens operated by SCO. On a fortunate day while fulfilling her duties and monitoring the operations, Khadija, Mahad’s mother, shared with us the hardships they endured, including their displacement from home, the prosperity they once enjoyed before the drought, and their current situation. During our discussion, she expressed her gratitude for SCO and how they have illuminated her family’s future by providing them with the opportunity to live in one of the IDP settlements.
“My children never had a place to call home, and I am immensely grateful to SCO for offering us kitchens where our people receive food and free plastic sheets,” exclaimed Khadija.
The Camp Feeding Program serves as a vital component of the Livelihood Project funded by SCO in Mogadishu. It acts as the backbone of the project, alongside staff incentives, and has significantly relieved the Committees of the responsibility of providing for their people. It has instilled hope and belief within the Committees that one day their IDPs will have access to sufficient food and shelter.
The feeding program has had a positive impact on the performance of the IDPs. Attendance has improved, and the overall atmosphere within the camp has been uplifted. Recognizing that their IDPs will receive adequate nourishment, many Committees willingly send them to the kitchens, resulting in improved attendance.
Mrs. Qamar, the Livelihood and Food Security Officer, concurred with Khadija’s statement, affirming that the feeding program has not only enhanced attendance but also improved performance and boosted the overall morale of the IDPs. She further emphasized this point.
Ibrahim Gedow said “In conclusion, I earnestly appeal to SCO to persist in their current initiatives and intensify their efforts. Specifically, I implore them to continue the Camp Feeding Program, as it holds the key to our recovery from the dire circumstances we endured before seeking refuge here. If feasible, I kindly request SCO to enhance their support and assistance to help us rebuild our lives and regain stability. Your continued dedication and commitment would make an immense difference in the lives of all those affected.”
