Somali youth have collected money to buy a plot of land and build a new house for a disabled couple whose struggle to support their family of seven children in Baidoa was highlighted by Radio Ergo.
Mohamud Mohamed Abdi, 62, a tailor by trade, his wife and children had been living in a small shack. The parents were earning a pitiful existence breaking stones for use in construction. Their story was aired by Radio Ergo on 11 February 2014.
“The story made us feel sad and sympathy towards the family and we couldn’t ignore their suffering,” said Ibrahim Ahmed Ibrahim, who is among the young people who contributed funds. He said the youth in the area had come together and paid a visit to the family to see their living conditions and to find out what they could do for them.
“In our assessment, we understood that the family lived in an overcrowded, small, makeshift room and some of the family members often slept outside,” Ibrahim told Radio Ergo’s local reporter. “We then contacted local businesses in the community and explained the life of the disabled parents and their children to get support.”
As a result, they succeeded in raising around $3,000 from local businesses and the youth in Baidoa. The money was spent on building a new house with two rooms, a kitchen and a toilet.
“We are grateful to the youth…they have transformed our life from being homeless to homeowners!” said Abdi.
Abdi used to support his family through his tailoring business until he became disabled two years ago. His wife took over as breadwinner, until she too was struck by illness and also became disabled just a month later. Both parents are only able to crawl to get around. They do not know the cause of their disability because they have never gone to see a doctor.
MR/MH
