Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 13-06-2017
There was a sense of apprehension when I was asked to accompany the Al-Imdaad Foundation on a trip to Somalia by programmes manager of Radio Islam International Moulana Sulaiman Ravat.
This so called fear reverberated across to my wife and children, mom and family who as always council me when I travel outside South Africa for work or to cover stories.
Somalia is located on the outer edge of the Somali Peninsula, which is also known as “the Horn of Africa”.
As a journalist at Radio Islam International, I have covered many stories about Somalia and truth be told, many are aware of the ‘Somali Pirates’ who hijack massive container ships and also terror organisations that are quite rife in the region.
But as a reporter, I believe that one of act of good no matter how small can redeem a country from whatever problems it may face.
Accompanying the Al-Imdaad Foundation on this trip is no doubt an honour and privilege, but the greater good lies in the effort in telling the human stories of the people of Somalia.
The Al Imdaad Foundation have been phenomenal in their relief efforts to famine, impoverished and drought stricken areas and countries.
The people of Somalia are suffering from famine and drought. Due to the Civil War, over 350,000 innocent civilians have died of disease and starvation because they could not get food – This is heart-breaking.
With the apprehension shelved in the deepest echelons of my mind, my efforts will focus on the wonderful work of the Al-Imdaad and also to amplify the voices of the Somali people who are seldom heard.
So stay tuned to Radio Islam as I embark on this trip with the Al-Imdaad Foundation and together we can change the world, one country at a time.
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