Ahead of World Humanitarian Day, Catholic Entity Highlights Partnerships in Africa

The leadership of the entity of the Catholic Bishops in Ireland makes reference to one of the beneficiaries of the entity's humanitarian aid, 67-year-old Raymond Mabe who was forced to flee from South Sudan to Adumi when war broke out in September 2018.

"In 2021, Raymond joined a humanitarian program run by Trócaire through funding from Irish Aid. The program provided Raymond with food and farming tools so he could meet his basic needs," Trócaire officials say in the report.

They add, "As part of the program, Raymond also received training on farming techniques such as good sowing practices."

In the report, Mr. Mabe recounts his ordeals when he was forced to flee following the war and the benefits, which Trócaire facilitated. He expresses optimism towards life.

“I left all my belongings in Sudan and sold what I had taken with me on the way to survive. When I returned to my village, I lacked shelter, food, seeds and farming tools. Someone gave me a house and I started to live, thanks to daily work and assistance from neighbors,” Mr. Mabe is quoted as saying.

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He continues, “I received maize, beans, fish, oil, groundnut, soybean, and farming tools such as a rake and watering can. This allowed me to be able to produce food and I now have a reserve of food and seeds. I will keep the seed reserve and continue to sow, so that I always have food.”

In the report, the leadership of Trócaire highlight the coronavirus challenges in humanitarian action this year.

"The COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll in developing countries," Trócaire officials say, and add, "Civilians continued to be the most affected by conflict and extreme poverty rose. Climate change effects are devastating, forced displacement is at record levels and 161 million people face acute food insecurity."

WHD was established by the United Nations (UN) in 2003 following  a bomb attack on the Canal Hotel in Baghdad, Iraq that killed 22 humanitarian aid workers.

The UN indicates that "Each year, WHD focuses on a theme, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers."

This year's theme for WHD is, "the importance, effectiveness and positive impact of humanitarian work".

On the occasion of WHD 2022, officials of the Catholic entity "thank the Irish public for continuing to support Trócaire’s work at a time where the number of people who need humanitarian assistance has never been higher."

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.