Sewing Progress and Expanding Opportunities for Women

One of our signature programs is our Women’s Vocational Center in the capital city. Here, we offer three levels of sewing classes to women who have been unable to complete formal education due to their circumstances and poverty. For many of these women, this is their chance to learn skill that can provide income for their family and take care of their needs while having a flexible schedule. Upon graduating level 1, women are given a sewing machine to then begin their own business form their home or a local shop. These women then have the opportunity to continue to develop their skill through two more levels of classes. Graduates of level 2 have taught another student to sew, and are equipped to become instructors or aids for future classes. The work that level 2 & 3 students produce is then sold out of our vocational center or at local bazaars at schools, embassies and military bases.

Recently, we expanded our program into a nearby village. Classes have begun with just four women who are very eager to learn and make an sustainable income for their families. All of them have 3 or more children, two are pregnant, and most of their husbands are unable to work due to health or lack of jobs available to them. They are excited to finish level 1 and also earn a sewing machine for their families.

These projects are not possible without donors coming alongside us in our work. Gifts given to the sewing project help provide sewing machines, supplies, and pay for the rent for the building. We are grateful for all those who have given and continue to help us maintain this program another year.

Level 1 students with their finished tote bags.

All of our students learn to sew on manual machines, as most do not have electricity in their homes.

Digging for Water

Water is life, and the people in the Horn of Africa are desperately waiting for rain. 

The Horn of Africa is experiencing its worst drought in over 40 years. On-going regional conflict in both Ethiopia and Somalia has further displaced people within these countries. The war in Ukraine is also impacting the region through rising food costs, especially cooking oil and flour--two staples to society. What can we do to stand in the gap during this time of crisis? 

 

As an organization with nearly 30 years of experience in the region, we desire to continue to be faithful in our work. We receive food aid that we distribute through trusted local organizations that know the areas of greatest need. Our focus is serving those who are internally displaced due to conflict and drought. We are also digging 10 wells, and multiple shallow water catchments throughout various regions of Somalia to help provide long-term solutions to the water crisis. 

 

One well serves at least 128 families. This means 128 families can have a reliable source of water for their family and livestock. These wells also allow families to stay in one place instead of making the difficult, and often dangerous, search for water. Women and girls are usually the ones who fetch water, as shown in the photo above. Each well is dug by people from the community that it serves. They take great pride in being able to provide for their community in this way and it also provides jobs. 

 

Right now, the situation in Somalia especially is very desperate. We would like to increase our reach, dig more wells and water catchments, and give out more food assistance, but need the resources in order to make this happen. Would you consider giving to these projects and help us bring food and fresh water to more families? 

Good by 2020, Hello New Year!

       As 2020 comes to an end (and many are breathing a sigh of relief!), we wanted to briefly share with you about the work being done in the Horn of Africa and how you can also be a part of it through your financial gift. 

       In the last few months, work has begun on digging and cementing two water catchments for rural farmers and pastoralists in Somaliland. In a region often struck with drought and famine, these water catchments are crucial for sustaining the livelihood of these families. Our staff on the ground are overseeing the work being done and ensuring that it is quality work that will last for many years to come.

 We have also faithfully been distributing hundreds school kits, blankets, clothing, and food packages to the most vulnerable in our community. One of our key values is partnering with local organizations which are already working in their communities. Through these organizations, we are able to expand our reach in the countries that we serve. 

       A highlight for us is being able to help those in our sewing  and athletics program beyond the programs themselves. One of our students in the sewing program, her mother is unable to walk. This past month, she was able to receive a donated wheelchair and their family is very grateful for this new opportunity at mobility. 

      One of the boys in the soccer program lost his mother to an illness this past month. The coaches were able to visit the family, bring them gifts of food, and show their support during this very difficult time. Whenever girls in the running program are sick or need to go to the hospital, the coach helps bring them there and donations are used to help cover their expenses.

Season of Gratitude

As we look forward to the upcoming holiday season, we want to take a moment and share somethings we are especially grateful for this past month. 

In Djibouti, our sewing and jewelry-making students were invited to a bazaar on the French military base. It was quite successful, with over $1,000 in sales. The women sold hand-roasted coffee, handmade jewelry from rolled paper beads, hand sewn shopping bags and more. All of the money raised at the sale goes directly to the women who made the items. L.I.F.E. receives no over-head costs because our program is run on the support of donations from faithful friends and partnering organizations. Many of these women come from very poor homes and every little bit of money they receive goes to help their families. We continue to be encouraged by the process of the women in the sewing classes as they progress through the three levels.

Another focus area of ours is athletics. Our GirlsRun2 program has continued to meet 5-6 days a week and the girls (nearly 40!) are staying in school. The boys soccer program is also thriving, with over 30 boys participating. They had with two recent wins against other local clubs. One game they won 8-2! We are grateful for our coaches who go beyond the sport and continue to share valuable life lessons and mentorship to the participants. 

On a more practical note, we were able to distribute 700 blankets, 1000 school kits, and a ton of food to local organizations and those in need in our community. Additionally, we gave out clothing and sandals to vulnerable individuals. Each one of these blankets, school kits, food supplies, etc, aids not only an individual, but also their family. Even though school is technically “free” there are still many other costs that make it very difficult for the average family here to support their children in their education. Uniforms, school fees, books, and supplies are all necessary costs. School kits help alleviate one of these needs so a family’s resources can go towards other needs. Blankets help prevent some sicknesses, which also helps children stay in school. 

Through all of our programs, our vision remains the same—to come alongside families and communities and empower them to reach their full potential in culturally relevant ways. As referenced in our name, Local Initiatives for Education, we see that education is a powerful tool for community transformation. Through your partnership with us, we are able to continue our programs and ensure hundreds of children are staying in school and young women are continuing on with their education in handicrafts and business ventures. 


Fall Update

Due to low Covid-19 cases, life in Djibouti has returned to fairly "business as usual." Our women's project house opened the last week of September, picking back up with those students whose classes were cut short in March. Thanks to the help of two student teachers, all three levels are progressing well. Over the break, the women sewed over 2,000 masks for private organizations, healthcare workers, and many friends and family members!

Additionally, we have distributed over 17 tons of food in the community, hundreds of blankets, and numerous school kits in partnership with many local organizations. We are continuing to look for ways to support individuals and organizations who are serving their communities faithfully. 

GirlsRun2, our after-school running program for girls ages 10-14 also began. Most are returning students and we are excited to see them continue in their education and also grow in their athletic performance. Below is a photo from their last race, w…

GirlsRun2, our after-school running program for girls ages 10-14 also began. Most are returning students and we are excited to see them continue in their education and also grow in their athletic performance. Below is a photo from their last race, with their coach, Nasra (on the right) and Djibouti's olympic runner, Ayanleh on the left!

June Update for COVID-19 Response in Djibouti

The last two months have been difficult for the entire world. Like many of you, we are learning how to adjust and work during COVID-19.

As of today, Djibouti, with a population of one million people, has felt the impact of the Coronavirus even more. The official count released by the government is now over 4,500 with 43 deaths. 

Thankfully, L.I.F.E. received a shipment of food relief such as, rice, lentils, and MannaPacks right before the lockdown. We have been distributing these items with help from friends and other partner organizations, focusing on the most vulnerable people.

We have also been able to sew masks for healthcare workers, people in our neighborhoods, and more. Several of our sewing students have also been sewing masks for those who need them.

In our athletic programs, we serve 84 boys and girls, and 30 women in our sewing classes. This means we personally reach over 700 individuals through the family units. This doesn't count the hundreds of others, we have been able to help through friends and partners. 

Because of your donations, we can encourage these families and serve them faithfully. 

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GirlsRun2 Participants Received Items for Flood Relief in Djibouti

We have been distributing tarps and mosquito nets and are now assessing next steps for our Phase II of flood relief efforts. 

Within LIFE Djibouti we have direct contact with over 100 families who participate in our programs (Project House, GirlsRun2, and our Boy's Soccer Team). 

We started by first addressing the needs of our students and athletes then equipping them to go out and help their families, neighbors, and friends. 

They were able to provide tarps, mosquito nets, food, blankets, clothes, tin for roofs, and school supplies. We have also been sharing on how to protect themselves from the diseases that have started to spread as a result of the increase rains.

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Distribution of Supplies to IDP Camps in Puntland

In consultation with the Ministries of Education, Health and Youth and Sports, most the current consignment is planned be dispatched to a location that has been suffering from drought. This area is often neglected because of its remoteness as well as its disputed land. This has caused brief and politically intense conflicts, which have been both deadly and devastating.  

“The reoccurrence of clan and political conflicts, periphery, prolonged droughts and population growth, as result of natural growth with limited resources has led poor condition to the people. According to the UN and INGOs reports, most of the people are living in significantly difficult circumstance. School enrolment rate is low comparing other towns and due to the absence of adequate teaching materials, facilities and skilled teachers. Although the town has several private clinics, the general hospital, which is the only public hospital in that area, is not equipped as needed.” – Staff who works and lives in country

In response to those circumstances, the aid was intended to benefit an estimated 700 students of different age groups two orphanage centers and schools, and for each student to receive a CarePack.

Also, each student received rice packs that would last each of them two months. We also gave one orphanage center 3 boxes of soccer balls, and the the other 5 boxes were turned over to the Ministry of Labour, Youth and Sports (MoLYS) and distributed throughout the region.

Other donations included 20 boxes of blankets that were donated to the same students as well as people in the neighborhood. Other items of the supplies included wheelchairs, mobility carts and mixed mobility supplies which benefited over 180 disabled people in two towns.

Nearly 273 of the drought-affected people in these towns and their families benefited from the used clothing and blankets. The other donations included nearly 5000 items of disposable medical supplies that went to health facilities in the same districts.

Planning the distribution of supplies with local authorities

Prior to the arrival of the supplies, the local NGO consulted with the Ministries of Education and Health and Youth and Sports in planning the distribution of the donated items. They agreed to undertake a joint distribution of items. The Ministries also advised to target the new supplies to the orphanage center and 6 schools, 2 community health centers in one town, and the general hospital and other 4 health clinics in the surrounding settlements. After the identification of the beneficiaries and distribution plan was agreed, the transport and the delivery of the supplies to the targeted schools/centers was conducted.

Distribution and supply delivery to the targeted centers

The supplies were disturbed at an orphanage center and the community health centers by a team composed of the local community, local authority, and field staff as per the agreed distribution plan. A launching event was held at the main orphanage center where representatives from the regional education ministries, religious scholars, and our NGO as well as other guests attended. The Mayor of the town officially launched the distribution handing out supplies to the orphanage. After 5 days of work, the team went to another town and distributed supplies to those families affected by drought living in IDP camps. 


Beneficiaries were also able to express their appreciation towards the relief distribution stating that this was a much needed but unexpected humanitarian act. Particularly, the orphaned children who appreciated the distributed supplies. Also, the administration and teachers of the schools and health centers were very thankful. They said the bringing the supplies to the orphan center was very thoughtful and the children were indeed worthy and deserved to get these highly nutritious supplies.

 



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Fartuun is a 47 year old single mother who has been greatly affected by the drought. She lost all of her animals in the drought and has migrated to the nearest city in hopes of finding a better place to live. She received used clothes, rice bags, and blankets.

“We were caught by surprise at just how quickly this drought has returned. The time for people to recover has been halved and has been continuing to decrease every single season,” she said. “Ultimately, it’s a climate crisis, but we are very grateful for this quick response/aid especially blankets, rice, and used clothes since I will be able to dress decently.”

The rice and beans she received will ensure that the herself and the kids can fight malnutrition.

 


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Hassan is a 45-year-old man who is crippled and has been using his hands while dragging his body along the ground in order to move. He was given a Pet Cart and was overjoyed that he no longer had to crawl on the dirty, dusty roads. “There is no other day I’m happier than today and I’m grateful for the mobility cart you provided me in order to move.”

 

 

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Eight year old Howa is an orphan and is a student at the orphanage school. She lives with her aunt is very old, but supports her in her life and encourages her to get an education. She received soccer balls and CarePacks and was so happy along with her other classmates to receive new items for school. “Me and my classmates are very grateful and morally happy.” She said.