Looking forward – 2013

It’s a bit of a tradition for a lot of people to start the new year with new plans and resolutions. Whether it be to lose 10 stone, book up a holiday of a lifetime or simply to eat more fruit, the start of a new year focus’s the mind on what one hopes to achieve in the coming months. So looking forward, along with continuing with all our usual projects here are just some of the goals that Algerian Action are aiming for in 2013-

The baby pack project- From the very beginning we have given clothing and essentials to destitute mothers for their newborns. We have always distributed these to women in the community but from this Autumn we have started to give them to women in the maternity ward of a hospital. In 2013 we intend to expand the project further by offering the packs to women in more hospitals and to supply an orphanage that specialises in assisting abandoned babies.

A travelling library- This is our new big project. Starting in the summer we plan to operate a travelling library in Algiers. We will be visiting children in hospitals, orphanages, schools and other community venues and provide them with the opportunity to have books they would otherwise not have access to. We will also be holding fun story telling sessions and craft workshops too. The first step to achieving this aim is to reach our goal of collecting 1,000 books.

Last year our Eid Appeal enabled us to give gifts, sweets and toys to 762 children. In 2013 we plan to reach even more children by adding 2 new areas to our list.

In addition, we have recently found out about a women’s refuge based in Algiers that are really in need of help. Organisations like refuges are  very few and far between in Algeria yet they are most definitely needed and a vital resource for some women. We are currently in discussion with the directors about how we can best offer help and support so, offering assistance to those women in need is also an aim for 2013.

A family in need

As I have mentioned here before, there are people in Algeria that live in conditions that are completely unseen in Europe and the developed world. My work with Algerian Action has meant that I have come into contact with quite a lot of families in need and have seen many sorry situations however, sometimes you hear of something which somehow seems worse than those before, something that touches you and pulls at your heart strings just that little bit harder.  That is what happened to me when I heard about the following family- a mother and four children.  The story was told to me by a friend who lives in Algeria- a lady, who with a group of others helps those in need. She has written about it on her blog which is in French.

The family are living in conditions which are quite indescribable but needless to say unliveable. They live in a shack where a wall is made from blankets and  a thin sheet acts as a door. The roof is made from plastic which leaks causing their few belongings to become soaked through and leaving them with nowhere to sleep but wet blankets.

The Mother suffers from rheumatism which often renders her unable to look after her youngest, a six year old girl called Zeyneb.

When my friend went to visit she found Zeyneb sitting on a blanket which was damp and smelling of urine, she was disheveled and her hair was sticky and full of lice. Yet despite this, she had a smile like sunshine and was thrilled with the paper and coloured pencils she was given.

There is also an eighteen year old daughter who helps as much as she can and does not mix with the other girls her own age she said that the cold and living conditions had caused both her and her mother to become incontinent and that it was impossible to keep themselves clean. In addition there is a son aged 20, he is unable to read and write and has a low ability. He does not currently have a job, unfortunately he has been treated badly by employers in the past but he does want to work. Lastly there is another son aged 12 who is not attending school.  The children live alone with their Mother.

The family has lived in these conditions for the last ten years.

The family obviously have very little and I hope that we will be able to assist them as much as possible.

Jobs are currently being sought for the eldest son and mother. It is also planned that the son will be educated to read and write as this will surely help his long term prospects. In addition efforts will be made to get the younger children back into the education system.

Medium term but, really as soon as possible their home needs to be rebuilt so that it can be a safe,dry and secure place in which to live.

Immediately, shoes and clothing are needed for all family members, The mother and 18 year old daughter are both size 4 in shoes and are 10-12 in clothing. The eldest son is also size 4 in shoes and wears size S clothing. The 12 year old boy wears clothes for his age and his shoe size is 2.5 (35) and the little girl is age 6 and wears shoe size 11.5 (30) .

Every single item and every single penny donated will allow this family to start living a normal life, please give whatever you are able to. I plan to send an ‘emergency parcel’ to them in two weeks time and then follow up with further items soon after. Part of the funds raised at our Spring Fair will also go towards the rebuilding of the home.

If you can do anything to help this family who are desperately in need please get in touch.

Fantastic February

 

In many ways February has been a very busy month for the project.

Firstly, you have all been so generous with your giving that a staggering 1008 items were donated.  February saw such a wide variety of clothing, toiletries and toys arriving, everything is wonderful and will be put to very good use by those in need. Thank you everyone, you are amazing.

The beady eyed among you may have already noticed that two new pages have been added to the site, ‘most wanted’ and ‘events’.  Most wanted is a page dedicated to the needs of individuals and families that we are currently helping.  This page will be updated and items crossed through as donations are received.  Events is about well, events that Algerian Action will be hosting and attending-all in the name of fundraising and raising awareness of the project.  Lots of things are planned so do keep looking.

You may have also noticed the Facebook link.  It was suggested by someone much more computer savvy than me that there should be a Facebook page for Algerian Action.  Apparently every charity has one and now, so do we!

So, if you fancy chatting to me and fellow supporters of the charity then please feel very welcome to ’become a fan’ and a ‘ friend’ by clicking on the facebook badge to your right.

Lastly, Our new project was launched the ’Eid gift bag appeal 2010′ .  Your enthusiasm for this appeal has really warmed my heart.  Donations for this have already started to arrive so, I’m hoping it will be a huge success!

Oh, and an update-remember the family in the shed? well a big bag of clothing and other bits and pieces has been sent to them.  Thanks to your monetary donations we are in the process of sourcing a cooker for the family.  At least then the lady will be able to start her cake making business and begin to support her family financially.  It’s really wonderful that we have been able to help in this way as not only have some of the immediate needs been met but we have helped in the longterm too.  Work is continuing on the home but progress has been made.

As always, thank you so much for your support and generosity.  Have a marvellous March everyone!

Best wishes, Emma x