Our level 1 sewing class in Djibouti completed one of their first projects of making bread bags. These bags are made from recycled flour sacks and local fabric. The skills they learn in making the bags allows them to make more and sell them in local markets. We have the women learn how to make bread bags because bread is a staple for every family in Djibouti and there doesn’t exist a product like this in the local markets.
Nutritious Food Distributions in Djibouti
In Djibouti we often give out nutritious food packs to refugees, athletes, schools, hospitals and other places where we have identified the biggest need. It takes a lot of work to move these boxes in 100+ degree Fahrenheit (40C) weather!
First Race for 2018-2019 GirlsRun2 Team
Our 2018-2019 running season has begun! If you aren’t familiar with our Girls Run 2 program, then check out the website for more info.
One of the first races of the year was a race through the capital city of Djibouti.
One of our runner’s dad is a police officer and when she saw him at the race she was so excited!
We are so thankful for all your donations to the team. We rely on generous finaical gifts and gifts in kind like shoes, clothes, vitamins, and more to help us supply each girl on the team with uniforms, practice outfits, proper running shoes, nutritious food, and money for medical and school fees. You can donate to Girls Run 2 here.
Fall 2018 Project House
This year our Project House took on a new project—moving buildings! After months of searching we finally found a place to house our expanding classes, and hopefully will give us room to grow!
The women held an open house for the community to come by and shop their goods, like jewelry, bags, coffee, and more. We are so proud of these ladies and the skills they are learning to better their families and lives.
LIFE works with Local Village to Build Berkad
A Berkad is a traditional rainwater catchment system. LIFE has worked with various villages in Somalia to build berkads. Recently they built one outside of Hargeisa. A local doctor is part of the community that collects the water, treats it, and then uses it in his hospital. Many villages have asked for help to build berkads because they receive adequate rainfall and it helps store and collect the water for future use. Below are some photos from the final project.
LIFE and Italian Military Distribute Aid
In collaboration with the Italian Military, LIFE did a distribution to a remote village in Djibouti. We gave out soccer balls, rice and bean packets, and school supply kits. This village is located 15-20 km from the nearest medical facility or school. There is not a lot to do there so handing out soccer balls provides the children (and adults) with something fun to do. People love soccer in Djibouti and by distributing the balls it gives them more than just food and clothing; we are trying to show that we care about all aspects of their life.
Fall 2017 Project House Classes Have Started!
Our project house in Djibouti has started their fall training classes. The project house is a place where young women, chosen and vetted by our local staff, come and learn valuable skills such as sewing and baking. Currently the girls are working on sewing camel bags. These bags are made from left over fabric donated to LIFE. The insides are lined with flour bags, which makes them easy to wipe clean. On the outside the girls trace and cut out shapes like camels and the continent of Africa. These bags are then sold at local bazaars.
The Fall 2017 sewing class!
One of the bags the girls are learning to make
One of the summer partcipants learning how to sew
LIFE Helps Build Wells in Somalia
We have been working with partners on the ground in Somalia to dig for wells in rural communities. Many of the people living in the areas are returning from refugee camps such as Dadaab.
In the Farhan Camp there are 137 families and many of them have helped take part in digging the well. Yahye, the chairman of the camp, thanked us for helping bring clean water to their village. He said, “My happiness can’t conclude here, but I would like to thank you for this well. It is useful for many people living in this camp and we wish for more.”
Farhan Camp
Farhan Camp
In Khalid Camp there are over 91 families, and many of them also helped dig the well. Hilawle, the governor of the camp, said he was happy for this opportunity. I am pleased for this program and the water is necessary for life. We all think we will be ok when the water is ok, and I will wish for another aids like this foundation.”
Khalid Camp
Khalid Camp
Ahmed Receives Wheelchair, Dignity Restored!
Ahmed has been crippled for 15 years. He did not have a wheelchair so he would crawl on the ground in order to get around or he had to depend on someone else to take him places. Ahmed is 45 years old and received a wheelchair for the first time. He also received a special-made toilet. Our partners said that by giving Ahmed a wheelchair and toilet tailored to his needs that we were giving him the opportunity to a dignified life.
Soccer Teams in Kenya Receive Jerseys
Recently LIFE donated uniforms to some soccer teams in Garissa, Kenya. The team named Mwamba FC means Rock in Swahili. Volunteers coach the team and the players range from young students to graduates, most who are from local tribes in the surrounding communities. The coaches use a whole life coaching method, meaning they don’t just teach their players how to play soccer, but they also teach them valuable life skills. They have received numerous testimonies of youth who have transformed their lives because of this method. Many of the players have stopped taking drugs like khat or miraa and have learned the importance of keeping their bodies healthy.