Tribune News Network
Doha
As part of its efforts to combat poverty, and with the support of philanthropists in Qatar, Qatar Charity (QC) has implemented hundreds of economic empowerment projects for needy families in various regions of Somalia, benefiting approximately 150 families.
These projects provide sustainable means of production that contribute to improving the living conditions of the targeted families and offer a dignified source of income that preserves their human dignity.
The income-generating projects provided to needy families included several types such as livestock (cows and sheep), three-wheeled transport carts, small retail shops, sewing machines for women, in addition to support in agriculture and handicrafts.
In this context, Abd al-Fattah Adam Moalim, director of Qatar Charity’s Office in Somalia, said these projects come as part of the organization’s efforts to enhance the economic stability of underprivileged families, explaining that these projects significantly contribute to maintaining the cohesion of the Somali community and protecting families from falling into unemployment and poverty.
Moalim said: "These projects are not just for achieving material sufficiency, but also aim to uplift the psychological morale of the beneficiary families, enhancing their ability to face economic challenges. We also have plans for future projects targeting more needy families.”
Several beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the support they received from Qatar Charity, noting that these projects represented a lifeline for them and a starting point for improving their living conditions.
Hodan Abdi Khalif, a beneficiary of the livestock project in Kismayo, said: "I lost all the livestock I owned during the last drought, and I was struggling to support my family. Thanks to Qatar Charity’s support, I received several sheep that will enable me to resume my work in livestock farming, and now I have great hope for improving my family’s situation.”
For his part, Mohamed Abdi Hassan, who benefited from a small grocery project, expressed his gratitude to Qatar Charity, saying: "It was difficult for me to secure a stable income before receiving this support. Now, thanks to the grocery store that Qatar Charity helped me open, I look forward to supporting my family and providing for their basic needs.”
Qatar Charity implemented around 560 projects in the economic empowerment sector in Somalia last year (2023), benefiting nearly 3,350 individuals, reflecting its ongoing commitment to support the most vulnerable groups and promote sustainable development in needy communities.