6/22/2025
The world celebrates the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought annually on June 17th to highlight one of the most serious environmental and humanitarian crises, as well as to raise awareness of the importance of combating land degradation and addressing the challenges of drought.
This year's theme, "Restoring Land... Unlock Opportunities," highlights how restoring the foundation of nature can provide jobs, enhance food and water security, support climate action, and contribute to strengthening economic resilience.
Fighting Drought
Qatar Charity has placed drought and desertification in Africa at the top of its humanitarian priorities, and Somalia has been one of the most prominent arenas of fieldwork, where millions suffer from the effects of prolonged desertification and water insecurity.
To combat the drought that threatens lives and undermines development opportunities, Qatar Charity has implemented dozens of water and development projects in Somalia. These projects included drilling hundreds of deep and semi-deep wells, establishing integrated systems to collect and store rainwater, and supporting women and vulnerable groups to establish sustainable small agricultural projects.
In 2024, Qatar Charity implemented 78 water and development projects, benefiting more than 140,000 people in remote and marginalized areas.
On this occasion, Qatar Charity reiterates its commitment to being an effective part of global efforts to combat desertification and drought, especially in affected countries like Somalia, through cooperation with international and local partners. The organization believes that every drop of water makes a difference, and every tree planted is a promise of a better future.
A dream comes true
In central Somalia, specifically in the Galgaduud region, there is a village called Yoron, where there is no running water, electricity, or paved roads. Women there have long journeyed more than 10 kilometers to fetch water, while children are deprived of education due to the journeys, they make in search of a drop of water to quench their thirst.
Nothing is more difficult here than obtaining water. The nearest well is 50 kilometers away. At dawn, the women and children begin an arduous journey on foot, traversing perilous paths, carrying empty containers on their heads and returning with them filled with contaminated water.
The long hours spent on this arduous and exhausting journey lead to children missing school, while the women suffer from exhaustion and anxiety, fearing the contaminated water, which can only bring them serious infectious diseases such as cholera and diarrhea.
The bleak scene changed when Qatar Charity, with the support of the Qatari peoples , decided to implement a water project in the area. Drilling machines arrived and their cries echoed throughout the village, heralding the birth of new hope. A project to dig an artesian well, over 180 meters deep, was launched in the village in search of clean water.
The drilling was not just a job; it was a new dawn for the village. Children and women gathered around the project, as if they saw in it a lifeline and a new future where they would enjoy access to clean drinking water.
Here, everything will change. Women will take care of their homes instead of walking thousands of kilometers daily. Children will dream of going to school, while the men of the village plan to raise livestock and cows instead of emigrating.
Life has returned to the village, and everyone is awaiting the completion of this project. The long-awaited well has become a symbol of steadfastness and determination to survive despite all the obstacles and difficulties.