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Making a difference in Somalia
Muslim students to raise awareness and funds for famine victims JUAN AYALA
staff writer
The Muslim Student Association is making a fundraising effort to help those affected by famine in Somalia. “We are trying to raise some money and create some awareness about this issue. We want people to listen to the suffering of the Somali people,” said MSA President Mohamed Alammari. This campaign is to continue through the whole semester with the purpose of create awareness among Minnesota State University, Mankato students especially for those who do not follow the international events
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or the news. According to the United Nations, the Somali famine had placed 11 million people in a state of humanitarian emergency. Just like any other international crisis, MSA would like students of other ethnic backgrounds to join in their efforts. The campaign is not just limited to African and Muslim students. “Anyone can join and participate; there is no limitation for helping others,” said Alammari. The group will be tabling in the Centennial Student Union every weekday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students are welcome to stop by to learn about the crisis and how they can contribute. So far, the International
Student Association is the only organization willing to provide any kind of help to make the campaign as effective as it can be. Mehmet Aydin, MSA’s event coordinator, hopes other organizations will join the fight. “It is not a war, it is famine. Children are dying; they are the future of that country. Twenty five cents can make the difference, believe me,” said Aydin. The MSA will be displaying posters, showing videos and holding different activities throughout the semester to create awareness of the crisis in Somalia. “We might bring a speaker from Red Cross, so he can give his insight about
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a situation like this, what does famine mean, and how does it affect other African countries too,” Alammari said. “These kind of things need to be fast. I know there is help all around the world, but every time I hear the news, they say it’s not enough.” International students have already started volunteering for this campaign. Many exchange students can relate to the famine in Somalia because their countries are going through similar problems right now. “It’s very important to me. I am familiar with what is happening. I have some similar issues happening in Sudan,” said Dushare Dosa, an exchange student from
Sudan. Many international students believe that they provide assistance out of an obligation to their countries. “We want to make a difference. It is a Muslim country and there is a strong Somali community here on campus. I just want to help because those are children who are suffering,” said Ibrahima Tali, an MSU student from Senegal. “As a Muslim it is my duty to help people that need help.” Anyone interested on volunteering or donating can approach the MSA table along Mav Ave or can email the MSA at msa@mnsu. edu.