Let them live. Let them survive! #Borana #Arsi

JIRRA Permanent Humanitarian Fund for Oromos (JIRRA for short) is a non-profit humanitarian organization set up to provide relief to Oromos in distress anywhere in the world. We endeavor to be there for our compatriots whenever and wherever they are in a distressful situation emanating from conflicts, persecutions, evictions, displacement, migration, natural or man-made disasters, epidemic, or famine.

Apart from the general distress they currently find themselves in because of Ethiopia's ongoing war on Oromia and Tigray, and in addition to the massive dusruptions caused by the COVID 19 Pandemic, Oromos are also exposed to man-made and drought-induced famine in various parts of Oromia.

Our people in Boorana are suffering from drought. Consequently, as we speak, thousands are subjected to a grinding famine. Their cattle have perished. So have their plants on their farms. The entire natural environment has given way to the drought thereby turning the area into an instant desert.

Similarly, a prolonged season of lack of rain in the Rift Valley areas of Oromia has exposed our people in the West Arsi area to a deadly famine. Reports from towns such as Ajje indicate that many many people are perishing quietly in their huts--all from lack of food and drinking water.

The peoples in both places are in need of basic means of survival: food, water, and medicines.

We, at JIRRA, believe that we can say "JIRRA!"(that we are there for them) by contributing what we can in order for us to help provide them with basic means of survival. We believe we can save lives with every little gesture of support. We believe we can make a difference.

Please help us save lives. Help us make a difference. Help us to be there for our people. Show us you are here for them. Contribute what you can and say to them, through your action, that you are here for them. With us, say "JIRRA!" to them.

Let them live. Help them survive. You owe it to them as compatriots who stand together in solidarity. You owe it to our shared humanity.