Tackling Energy Poverty

Media Centre / Urgent appeal for displaced Somalis

People need more than just food and water in a crisis

In times of crisis, like the one unfolding in East Africa, food, water, shelter and medicine are critical. Yet so is access to trusted information and being able to see safely after dark.

Help tens of thousands of destitute Somali women in Kenya’s Dadaab refugee camps gain access to reliable information and light. With our Prime radios designed for large groups, the BBC’s Somali service and the local Star FM are broadcasting much need information on food distribution, crisis updates, health issues, livestock care and other practical topics. Even radio-based primary education lessons in the Somali language will help keep the children learning. For just $50, hundreds of vulnerable Somali women and children will benefit.

 

In addition, we’re raising funds to deliver safe and clean LED lights to provide a greater degree of safety and security for women and children. Light after dark also helps see snakes and scorpions, both prevalent in this harsh, dry climate. Our lights range in price from $12-$25 and will benefit a family. Priority is given to women and child-headed families. We will be distributing our own Solarstor with an LED light and NoKero lights.

 

The catastrophic drought and food crisis in East Africa is spurring an influx of new refugees to the Dadaab camps – already the largest refugee population in the world. According to camp workers, roughly 1,300 new refugees are arriving daily – at least 800 of whom are children.

Provide comfort and light after dark

“When I was last there in February 2011, the camp population was around 325,000. Today I'm reading it’s close to 380,000 with 1,000 people arriving daily. The environment for women and children, especially the new arrivals, test the human condition,” says Kristine Pearson, Lifeline Energy’s CEO. “Women have told me how terrified they are at night. Also, access to radio and being able to listen to the BBC’s Somali service and the local station Star FM provides psycho-social support.”

Information as a key for survival

Lifeline Energy has been working in Dadaab since 2007 – distributing solar-powered radios and lights to women and girls. Working in collaboration with UNHCR and NGOs, our radios have reached more than 15,000 women in 1,100 listening groups. We were invited there when the UNHCR conducted a survey revealing that only 1 in 500 women had radio listening access. It was revealed that the refugees wanted practical information on childcare, nutrition, health, FGM, in addition to the news and learning about what is going on in Somalia. Even primary school lessons are broadcast in the Somali language.

The UNHCR representative told us recently that the radio programmes have helped “strengthen women’s networking and information sharing.” We are working directly with UNCHR to get radios and lights to those who need them most.

 

Worst drought in 60 years

The drought in East Africa - the worst in 60 years - has led to widespread devastation of farmland, failed harvests and livestock deaths – up to 60% of cattle have perished in some areas. Twelve million are now facing desperate food shortages.

 

Donate to our Somali appeal.

 

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