Islamic Relief has been given a grant of £50,000 by the Scottish Government towards its Emergency Life Saving Response Project in the drought-ravaged Wajir district of north-east Kenya. The funds will help provide water that is desperately needed in a region where there has been no rain for three years, and where a third of children are malnourished.
The Scottish Government’s support will provide 18,000 people with life-saving water and help 20,000 families to protect their own health by practising good hygiene. The families will receive hygiene kits, new jerry cans to carry water and advice/training on good health and hygiene practices.
The funding is part of £2.2 million that Scottish-based aid agencies will be sharing to help those in Africa.
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs said: "It is vitally important that as the news headlines change and the images of drought-stricken East Africa become less visible, we do all we can to help those still suffering in the region.
"Described as the worst food crisis facing the global community right now, the situation remains desolate. This government is aware of our responsibilities to the wider world and is committed to providing help and support to the international community in times of crisis.
"This humanitarian aid will go directly to support Scottish organisations working on the ground and will ensure help is given swiftly and directly to those most in need. While other countries have slashed their aid budget, we have protected spending on international development. By providing aid directly to organisations working on the ground, we are making a real difference to some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable people."
Habib Malik Head of Islamic Relief, Scotland, said: “I am very thankful to the Scottish Government, on behalf of Islamic Relief, for this donation to help the suffering people of East Africa. This award is yet another example of the generosity of the Scottish Government and their efforts to help some of the most needy people on the planet. I recently visited Wajir district, so I know how desperately this support is needed and what a difference it will make. I will endeavour to ensure that this award is spent in the most effective way possible, on behalf of the people of Scotland.”
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To arrange an interview with Islamic Relief please call Safiya Sayed Baharun on 0207 593 3241 / 07872 403 534 or email: Safiya.baharun@islamic-relief.org.uk |