How To Take Part In Humanitarian Relief Somalia Efforts

By Stephanie Fox


Somalia has been ravaged by war for decades now. It also lies on semi-arid land that reduces the potential of inhabitants to make a decent living from the soil. The population, especially women and children have suffered greatly with such worries as poverty and disease. A lot of Humanitarian Relief Somalia efforts have been organized for willing participants. How can you participate and change the lives of these people from miles away?

Donations can be sent directly to organizations working with Somalis on the ground. These donations come in the form of food stuff, clothing, shoes and other supplies that can be used directly. Because of the dire situation, old clothes and shoes can be donated as long as they are in wearable state. There are drop-off points that can be used for this purpose run by different organizations. .

There are opportunities for cash donations that will be used to purchase the items needed by the suffering populations. Convenient ways of collecting these donations have been established. They include online payment methods and the use of credit cards. Cloud funding is also an option, among other social media based options. The money is used for logistics as well as purchase of items that the people direly need.

A new way of making donations involves buying an extra item for a person in Somalia. For instance, if you buy soap for your house, you pay for an extra piece to be sent to Somalis. This allows you to donate clothing, food stuff, sanitary pads and other supplies that you use at home. The organization may take the items in kind or convert them into cash for use in the neediest situations.

There are activities hosted by charity organizations aimed at raising funds. The events include marathons, art exhibitions and galleries, dinners, walks, marathons and concerts, among others. These events are open to individuals and corporate organizations. By purchasing merchandise for these events, including caps and t-shirts, you will be supporting their activities.

Visiting Somalia as a volunteer is also an option. There are numerous volunteers as doctors, support staff and logistic officers assisting Somalis on the ground. You need to organize with the relief agencies for security reason and to be facilitated adequately for your trip and stay. This gives you an opportunity to experience life on the ground and therefore feel attached directly to the humanitarian efforts taking place.

Offer logistical support to organizations helping people in Somalia. They require people to mobilize for events, perform administrative work, help in collecting donations and packaging, among other skills. When you volunteer for a few hours, it will save the organizations money that can be put into buying supplies. Corporate organizations participate by acting as collection points, sponsoring volunteers, publicizing events and other ways that an organization chooses.

Verify the authenticity of any campaign you wish to participate in. Check whether they have foot on the ground and whether your donations are going into the intended activities. It is disheartening to give to the needy only for the donations to end up in private hands. Even the minutest contribution will be appreciated. Media reports and licenses will help you identify genuine organizations and events.




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