Today's ZamZam
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
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Continuous political turmoil in recent years and little hope for stability has only worked to worsen the condition of the country's poverty-stricken population. The country, which frequently makes international headlines with its pirates and ship hijackings, is struggling with famine, poverty and violence. One million people in Somalia have become refugees because of internal conflict in the country. Child mortality is high as a result of malnutrition. Water shortage in the country is at its peak.
In recent months the İHH has dug nine wells, making drinking water available in the lower Shabelle and Bendari regions, where consumption of contaminated water is a frequent cause of death. Six wells were drilled in the villages of Jaziire, Doondheere, Beexaani and Abid Aziz, while three others were sunk in central Shabelle. The villagers, who now have access to clean water in the area where they live, have expressed gratitude to the İHH's benefactors in Turkey.
Some of Turkey's religious aid organizations, such as Kimse Yok Mu (Is Anybody There?) and Deniz Feneri (Lighthouse), in addition to the İHH, have become renowned for the work they have done abroad.
The İHH, as Turkey's first international aid group, played a significant role in changing Turkish law in 2004, making it possible for charity organizations to engage in relief efforts abroad. Currently active in 101 countries, some of the most noteworthy İHH projects include helping child victims of the war in Iraq, building a water drainage system that will prevent floods and diseases caused by contaminated water for Nigerians and professional training programs and social courses to build self-sustainability for the peoples of several African countries.
The İHH has carried out a project to help return the eyesight of 100,000 cataract patients in countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mali, Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Togo. The campaign's slogan for donators was "They too will see, if you will."
Source: Today's ZamZam, Nov 25, 2008