Horn of Africa Project - Update
I would like to provide an update regarding the Horn of Africa project, which has now successfully sent its 18th container of essential goods to the Horn of Africa region. The Horn of Africa project was commissioned to provide those living in the Horn of Africa region with the resources and materials that would make a positive difference in their lives. In particular, the project aimed to provide medical equipment to local hospitals that were in dire need, and to support locals who would otherwise travel long distances to receive the basic medical care that they needed. The beneficiaries of these donated resources can now boast of much improved facilities and vastly superior patient care.
Through the generous contributions and support of our community, in particular Rotarians and the Tigray community, our crowdfunding campaign was able to raise $20,268, which has covered the transportation costs of one container loaded with donated medical equipment and sent on the 1st of June 2024. We are pleased to report that this container has reached its final destination of Ayder Hospital in Mekelle in the Tigray Regional State of Ethiopia. The container was unloaded on the 25th of October 2024, in a ceremony that was attended by the Australian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Julia Niblett.
There was also another container filled with donated medical equipment sent on the 19th of September 2024 and is scheduled to reach its destination of Djibouti Port on the 27th of November 2024, and will be delivered to Sitti General Hospital in Biki in the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. The Somali Sitti Zone community have generously raised $16,000 to cover the transportation costs for this container.
We have enjoyed enormous support from far and wide. First and foremost, we would like to highlight the incredible work of the DIK management and volunteers, without whom this project would not have achieved the success that it has had, and the Rotary Club of Footscray, including the current president Dr Bob Newman, who has provided essential support throughout the lifecycle of this project and under whom we have sent 5 containers so far. Our deep gratitude is with Western Health and Austin Health, who have generously donated an abundance of vital equipment that is much needed in the Horn of Africa region. Footscray Rotary Aged and Community Service Fund have also made a significant financial contribution to the Horn of Africa Project and we would like to express our utmost appreciation.
To conclude, this has been a period of great success, and we should all feel proud that we have made a positive difference for those who were in sore need of our assistance. It is truly remarkable to see how much we have achieved through our determined and warm-hearted efforts, and it is important to reflect on this success and understand that we are capable of great things. We hope that we will be able to continue this success going forward.
Jama Farah
International Chair Rotary Club of Footscray 27/October/2024