“Devastating, unbearable, the worst case of human suffering”, these are the words by Jenine Coetzer, one of Channel Africa’s journalists who for nine days got to experience and witness firsthand what the Somali nation is going through.
Jenine formed part of the 32 member team that comprised of medical specialists, dieticians an expert on hydrology and 12 members of the media, under the banner of the South African humanitarian organization – GIFT OF THE GIVERS. The team was to deliver some 41 tons of emergency food relief and medicines to camps for the drought-displaced around the capital Mogadishu.
“The encounter was humbling”, said Jenine as she described her experience. “I witnessed people who were severely malnourished and dehydrated, people who have gone for ages without seeing a doctor”. “The experience made me realize just how blessed I was to have food and water in abundance, health and a roof over my head. “It is funny how we often complain over small things instead of counting our blessings”.
“Somalis are wonderful people, friendly and they laugh easily despite their horrible situation”, she said and paused as if to reflect. “It was amazing just how much a touch meant to them, they were receptive to people who cared for them”.
She reserved her last words to encourage the world to forget about politics and yield to the humanitarian crisis in Somalia. “Realize that it was not by their own doing that they are in the situation they find themselves, they are victims of natural and political misfortunes”.
(Source: Channel Africa)
No comments:
Post a Comment