Relief Granted to Over 600 Individuals in Somaliland Through Ramadan Iftar Dinner Project by Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE)

Ramadan is a time when Muslim families come together in worship, gratitude and closeness. United by their daily sacrifice, the evening meal (Iftar) at sundown is a moment of warmth and satisfaction, as they collectively break their fast.

Unfortunately, for many Muslims this picture of harmony and cohesion is a distant dream. Countless obstacles challenge this vision for millions all over the world. Orphans have lost a sense of belonging and unity; instability and uncertainty have taken over the lives of displaced individuals, and as for the poor, food insecurity has consumed them.

Each of these circumstances is a reality for millions in Somaliland, with over one million people facing crisis-level food insecurity or worse. Due to the lack of access to sufficient food, approximately 839,000 children suffer from acute malnutrition. This is not something that affects children alone, as 57.2% of rural residents and 41.5% of urban residents do not have adequate nutritional intake.

Among the most impacted are orphans. Having lost one or both parents, these vulnerable children are most susceptible to food insecurity and instability. Approximately 16% of children in Somaliland are orphaned, and around 30% live in foster arrangements.

To support these impoverished individuals during the month of Ramadan, Life for Relief and Development USA (LIFE) carried out its Ramadan Iftar Dinner project in Somaliland’s Awdal region. From March 07 to March 10, 2025, LIFE distributed ready-to-eat Iftar dinners each evening to the most vulnerable beneficiaries, including orphans, those with special needs, the elderly, and female-headed households, reaching a total of 613 individuals.

Providing wholesome prepared meals, the project specifically aimed to address food insecurity while bringing a sense of dignity to its beneficiaries. Hot meals were delivered to remote families and vulnerable homebound individuals, and a central gathering was held as a communal iftar for orphans and their guardians. The provision of ready-to-eat iftar dinners not only met immediate nutritional needs but also upheld cultural and religious traditions, allowing recipients to focus on spiritual observance rather than food insecurity during this sacred period.

LIFE’s Iftar Dinner project provided essential nutrition but also granted rare moments of joy to those otherwise accustomed to a life of deprivation. For the 12-year-old orphan, Ayaan, the Iftar gathering was an evening of excitement. His guardian shared: “We haven't eaten chicken for so long”. A sad reality faced by millions; however, this was a distant concern for Ayaan. Playing with other orphans and sharing his iftar meal with hundreds like him brought back a long-forgotten sense of carefree belonging.

For those who struggle against food insecurity and poverty, Hassan’s story sheds some light on the impact LIFE’s food charity has had. Unable to secure an income for the past four days, Hassan received the unexpected gift of Iftar for him and his young children. He admitted shakily: “I was about to beg today, but you were sent to me instead." His children gathered around as they opened the container of rice, chicken, and sweet dates. For the first time in days, they ate a full meal together, laughing and sharing stories instead of worrying about hunger and saying, "Tonight, we are not poor, we are blessed."

Your donations delivered necessary nourishment to these individuals but also gifted them something that cannot be purchased: dignity and joy. Thank you for your generosity and kindness.