AN EARTHQUAKE in Haiti, a flood in Pakistan, a tsunami in Japan and droughts in East Africa. Do you even remember these disasters? Or have you forgotten the millions of people who are still in need of help?
Just because these disasters have slipped out of the media's spotlight does not mean the victims' situation has been fixed. It is critical to maintain awareness and provide aid to these forgotten regions that continue to suffer. According to a July 21 Wall Street Journal article, "the entire Horn of Africa region is experiencing one of the worst droughts in 50 years, affecting 11 million people." The drought has led to crop failures and food shortages in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia, and now a refugee crisis looms as people leave their homes to escape hunger.
The United Nations estimates the number of hungry people in the world exceeds the combined population of the United States, Canada and the European Union. The malnutrition rates in Somalia are the highest in the world, reaching 50 percent in some areas.
Muslims Without Borders, a student-based relief agency that is dedicated to the motto of "Development Through Service," is changing lives at both ends: those who need help and those who want to help others. The group began its efforts in 2010 following the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Its members traveled to parts of Port Au-Prince, soon after the earthquake struck.
Ever since, the group has been at the forefront of several global crises. For instance, MWB was the first American non-governmental organization to arrive inside Libya after the onset of revolution earlier this year. The group set up the logistics for a convoy of medical supplies to Benghazi's Al-Jala Hospital. Now, it has set its sights on East Africa. The MWB has undertaken its first annual "Can-Paign" canned food drive across the United States to collect food and hygiene products for those suffering in East Africa. Thirty-two institutions are participating nationwide with support from MWB. Each school is undertaking its own initiative to motivate its peers and communities to address the urgent needs of East Africa.
Here at the University, the Muslim Students Association is reaching out to help collect the items needed most by the victims in East Africa. The group is setting up donation stations on the Lawn and at Observatory Hill Dining Hall. Its members will be handing out a list of items at these locations from Monday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Oct. 7 around lunch and dinner times. Be on the lookout for flyers around Grounds for more information. Also, the main event will be a Benefit Concert for East Africa held on Thursday, Oct. 13 in McLeod Auditorium at 7 p.m. There will be an assortment of a capella, dance and poetry performances. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, Oct. 6 and also will be available at the door. All proceeds will go the Dadaab Refugee Camp on the Kenya-Somalia border. Come out and enjoy a night of fun while supporting a great cause.
Now is our opportunity to rise up and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate than us. If you are interested in helping the MSA with these efforts, please feel free to contact msacouncil@gmail.com. We look forward to getting the entire community involved!
Andaleeb Rahman and Sarah Imam are the president and publicity chair, respectively, for the Muslim Students Association.
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