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UMR, Caritas Nairobi, Missio Münche, and KZE Partner to Revolutionize Urban Agriculture

UMR, Caritas Nairobi, Missio Münche, and KZE Partner to Revolutionize Urban Agriculture

Nairobi, Kenya – UMR, Caritas Nairobi, Missio Münche, and KZE are proud to announce a partnership to revolutionize food production in urban and peri-urban areas. This innovative project proposes a much-needed shift in how we produce food, aiming to create a new breed of farmers who embrace and replicate the integration of technology into agriculture for sustainability and profitability.

With one-quarter of the world’s population unable to access nutrient-rich and sufficient food, these food systems urgently need to undergo a transformation process. The agricultural industry offers the most viable platform for food security, economic growth, employment, and income generation, which can be leveraged to alleviate poverty by increasing productivity, adding value, and growing interconnections to other sectors such as health, trade, science, and innovation.

The project’s centerpiece is Smart Hydroponics farming, which provides a viable solution to the main barriers to agriculture amidst the effects of climate change. Smart farming requires minimal labor and substantially less water and inputs than conventional farming, owing to its ability to recycle water and nutrients. Therefore, we propose disseminating hydroponics farming technology as the future of food production, accessible to people with limited resources.

The project seeks to empower and support the most vulnerable family beneficiaries in Limuru by setting up 29 hydroponics greenhouses, with each greenhouse managed by two beneficiaries. In Bahati and Mukuru informal settlements, we will support and empower the most vulnerable by setting up four greenhouses, allocating them to vulnerable groups, and installing 45 vertical wall gardens in households. The project will also train 20 artisans to fabricate and install hydroponics greenhouses and household vertical wall gardens.

Smart Hydroponics farming is a resilient and sustainable food production option that solves food insecurity and chronic malnutrition while providing sustainable job opportunities for the youth and vulnerable women. The trained beneficiaries will be supported in registering and establishing agribusiness ventures to run hydroponics greenhouses or vertical wall gardens. In addition, they will be linked to markets for seamless produce off-take.

This project is a step towards creating a sustainable food system in Kenya, and we are excited to work with our partners to make it a reality. With innovation and collaboration, we can make a difference and ensure everyone has access to sufficient and nutritious food.

Türkiye, Syria earthquake; death toll expected to rise

Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Rateb al-Nabulsi speaks on the devastating aftermath of the 7.8 magnitude that slammed Türkiye and Syria and just how crucial humanitarian aid is at this time, especially for the often-forgotten Syrian refugees in Ghaziantep

Both Syria and Türkiye have declared a state of emergency after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the two countries early Monday morning.

At least 11,500 people are dead, more than 50,000 people are injured, and at least 11,000 buildings were destroyed. The death toll is expected to rise sharply as rescue workers continue to search for survivors in the rubble.

This comes at the worst possible time as it is the middle of winter in Syria and Türkiye. Hundreds of thousands of people will now be struggling to survive without access to food, medical care, or protection from freezing temperatures.

UMR is responding in the form of food baskets, winter care kits, emergency health kits for households, and Interagency Emergency Health Kits for hospitals and medical clinics.

To reiterate, in a disaster of this proportion, any donation will make a difference in the lives of individuals who lost everything.

7.8 Magnitude Earthquake Slams Turkey and Syria (UMR’s Emergency Response)

UMR CEO and President Dr. Abed Ayoub spoke about the devastating earthquake, “UMR currently is working with international communities teams on the ground, which are also providing emergency aid, as we look to see what the other major needs are. Our resources are heading to the areas most heavily affected by the earthquake yesterday, where huge numbers of houses, markets, and hospitals have been destroyed and the food supply is dwindling. This means international aid is more important now than ever.”

The main needs include access to clean water, food, and shelter, particularly for women, children, and other vulnerable communities. UMR is responding in the form of emergency aid including food baskets, essential winter items, shelter, water and sanitation, and other core relief items.

Dr.Ayoub adds, “At the moment, aid agencies are obviously operating in an even more challenging environment.” UMR has been working in responding to emergencies around the globe for many years, helping communities prepare for disasters, and providing emergency relief and recovery when disaster strikes. UMR has ongoing programs across the region and has access to areas including the areas affected by the earthquake. UMR has activated its emergency response protocol and has assessment and response teams on the ground assisting in coordination with partner organizations and local government units.

UMRelief Winter Charity donation campaign

Share Compassion and Warmth with Winter Charity

One of the harshest and coldest seasons experienced throughout the year has arrived and it calls for winter charity. It’s heartbreaking to see vulnerable communities shivering in freezing temperatures. Prolonged exposure to cold weather induces a myriad of health conditions. With most of the population on the edge of deprivation, millions of individuals are anxious, exhausted, and unable to plan for a future that seems vague.

People in countries suffering from financial distress cannot afford to protect themselves with warm clothes, food, and medicine. Therefore,winter becomes far more challenging for the war-fled refugees. Many families have no option but to choose between food and warmth.

In times of distress like this, it becomes essential for us to reach out to those who are struggling. So, let us reflect on the impact of the bitter winter and how our humanitarian support can help them survive with the gift of hope, faith, and love.

Sufferings of Vulnerable Communities Around the World

Winter season is a test of survival for many people around the world. If we look beyond the comfort of our cozy homes, millions of unfortunate people worldwide are on the verge of death. The poverty-stricken, war-ridden, homeless people and refugees are the most prone to winter extremities. They are taking shelter in makeshift tents and under fragile roofs, with many still living in the rubbles of destroyed homes. Refugee camps are beginning to deteriorate under harsh conditions. Although the situation may differ from countries around the world, winter poses a severe threat in every society across the globe.

Winter hits countries like Pakistan, Lebanon, and Jordan the hardest. A recent study has showcased that the extreme winter has killed 20 times more people than hot weather between 1985 and 2012.

6.5 million internally displaced refugees are living lives in uncertainty. 1 in 6 children in the USA lives below the poverty line. In the past three years, 85,000 children under the age of five have died from famine, according to the UN.

Poverty brings tremendous pain during winter in Pakistan. People have to choose between basic needs and warm clothes. Approximately 26 million impoverished people in Pakistan are suffering a great deal. Children in Pakistan are at risk of malnutrition. UNICEF estimates that 1 in 2 children under age 5 in Afghanistan will become acutely malnourished.

Most of Lebanon’s population lives well below the poverty line, unable to purchase food, medicine, fuel, and many other necessities.

We must respond with urgent winter charity to save vulnerable communities from freezing temperatures, the spread of disease, and so much more. Here are some charitable contributions you can make to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

Warm clothes

You can ease many struggles by donating warm clothes and blankets to vulnerable communities. Donate your unused warm clothes, blankets, socks, shoes, and more to the ones sleeping by the streets.

Hygiene products

As we all know, freezing temperature is a significant cause of cold and respiratory diseases. Lack of hygiene products can aggravate detrimental health conditions. Unwashed hands and clothes can spread germs and infections. So, donating hygiene products can help them stay protected against unwanted illnesses.

Food Basket

Many children and individuals in poverty are at risk of death from malnutrition. Thus, food baskets containing nutritious food items will help them stay healthy.

How UMR Responds to Winter Sufferings

We cannot allow another family to choose between paying rent or putting food on the table. Every year, UMR provides families in need with Winter Care Kits containing essential items such as coats, hats, scarves, and more.

Our winter kit contains the following:

Clothing items (coats, scarves, sweaters, boots, pajamas, long underwear – for both adults and children)
Non-perishable food items (beans, rice, pasta, sugar, oil, tomato paste, etc.).
Hygiene products (soaps, sanitizers, and more).

When you donate to UMR, you provide people with more than just winter clothes and food. You share the glimmering gift of hope, faith, and love during a time it’s needed most.

Our compassion and warm gestures can make their lives easier in winter. Your winter charity could help us keep them warm. Please donate to us today.

Care of the Military and Their Families Jordan 2022

UMR and Queen Rania Al Abdullah Association 2022

In the presence of UMR’s Jordan advisor Mr. Abdel Kadir Bani Omar, Ms. Alaa Ayoub, UMR’s head of office in Jordan signed an MoU to provide relief services and humanitarian aid to Military personnel and their families in Amman, Jordan. The goal of this MoU is to ensure that the humanitarian needs of military personnel and their family members are not neglected, no matter their current socioeconomic status.

UMR is proud to be providing support to those who served in Jordan and we will keep you in the loop as we begin providing services.

Syrian Refugees in Winter: A Struggle for Survival

Suffering from winter extremity is unfortunately not something new for the Syrian refugees. Over the course of 11 years, people in Syria have been going through unimaginable sufferings. Put yourself in the shoes of the Syrian refugees in winter. Living in freezing temperatures with no shelter, warm clothes, and blankets is not only harsh but also a struggle for survival.

Millions around the world are enduring freezing temperatures. So many people are living in uncertainty. Many are taking refuge in different parts of the world in countries like- Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Egypt.

The Syrian refugee winter crisis has brought down extreme poverty to millions of displaced people. Life has become uncertain for them. The Syrian refugees have been passing winter by living in makeshift tents.

Jordan now hosts approximately 675,000 registered refugees from Syria, who began fleeing in 2011 for safety. Concerned at this dire situation, UMR has given the hope of survival to the Syrian refugees by distributing winter-care kits.

What’s Happening in Syria?

Syria has been undergoing 11 years of conflict, which has extended suffering in millions of people. 22 million people fled their homes before the war, and 6.9 million were internally displaced. This ongoing hostility has created complex emergencies in the world. As a result, people have been suffering from a lack of proper food, clothes, shelter, and healthcare.

How the winter is affecting Syrian Refugees

Extreme freezing temperatures exacerbated by heavy rain have increased people’s suffering. Families living in urban slums are living in fragile home conditions amidst the severe winter.

About 1.7 million people live in uncertainty in the war zone in tented settlements. Their tents have collapsed or are badly damaged, causing the death of at least three children from the snowstorm. The Syrian refugee camp in neighboring countries – Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey, as well as those living in the rest of the war-torn nation, are all being affected by the bitterness of winter.

Moreover, the lack of fuel has made it challenging for people to meet their basic necessities. 97% of people in Northwest Syria live in extreme poverty, earning below $2 per day. Besides, 80 percent of Syrians living in the northwest need food assistance. So even after the winter storm subsides, the effort to support millions of Syrian refugees will remain urgent.

How the UMR is contributing to Syria Crisis

UMR is concerned about the growing statistics of the Syrian refugees suffering in winter. According to Save the Children, the rate of malnourished children has surged by over 150% in the past six months. About 13 Million Syrian people are forcibly displaced. Among them, 6.8 million refugees and asylum-seekers have fled the country.

UMR is giving hope to the Syrian people with the “Share Warmth” campaign. We aim to protect and empower vulnerable individuals by distributing winter-care kits. When you donate to UMR, you will provide a struggling family with winter jackets, hats, gloves, children’s pajamas, hygiene baskets (soaps, lotions, sanitizers), cash vouchers, food parcels, and more. Your compassion and warmth will spark an array of positivity among the families struggling for survival.

Donate to UMR; save people in Syria this winter and make a meaningful difference in their lives.

UMR CFRM

The CFRM consists of four courses:

1. Principles and Techniques of Fund Raising

2. Developing Annual Sustainability.

3. Developing Major Gifts

4. Managing the Capital Campaign Upon completion of these courses.

Participants received the Certificate in Fund Raising Management by Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s The Fund-Raising School. The parties intend for this program to serve as the first step in the development of a long-term institutional relationship aimed at strengthening the research, practice, and capacity building of the nonprofit sector in Muslim-majority countries.

Dr. Abed Ayoub

Dr. Shariq Siddiqui

AbderRaouf Alkhawaldeh

Dr.Tariq Chemia

Dr.Samir Abu Rumman

Dr. Abed Ayoub, CEO and President, UMR.

Dr. Shariq Siddiqui is an Assistant Professor of Philanthropic Studies and Director of the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

AbderRaouf Alkhawaldeh, Pure Hands

Dr.Tariq Chemia , president of Global Donors Forum

Dr. Samir Abu Rumman, Princeton University , UMR

UMR Partners with UNICEF on Pakistan Winter Relief

UMR Partners with UNICEF USA for Winter Relief Distribution in Pakistan

The current climate crisis has been wreaking havoc on Pakistan, putting the entire country at risk of widespread poverty and suffering. The monsoon that swept the country earlier this summer broke a century-long record, ebbing tides of hardship for millions of people. Starting in June 2022 and continuing through August 2022, the monsoon rains were more than five times the 30-year average rainfall in southern Pakistan provinces.

The impact of this disaster is only expected to worsen as winter looms. To address this catastrophe, UMR has partnered with UNICEF USA to provide families with winter clothes, hats, hygiene kits, shelter, and more. Any donation makes a difference to a family who lost everything.

As it stands, 33 million people – including 16 million children – have been directly affected by the floods. More than 1 million houses have been fully or partially destroyed, and at least 1,500 people have died. With the onset of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and long winter nights, we are extremely concerned for the millions of families who lack access to even the most basic of necessities.

This winter, share warmth with a family in need. When you donate through UMR, you are helping UNICEF provide families in Pakistan with lifesaving aid.

Donate here: cutt.ly/EMGbnSF

Information Resource:

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/climate-devastation-pakistan-ominous-precursor-catastrophes-come

Extremely Harsh Winter Weather Coming

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UMR Partners with SAAB RDS

Cyclone Sitrang Slams 10,000 Homes in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a South Asian country in the Ganges Delta, is prone to natural disasters. Sitrang, a strong cyclone, hit the country recently. It hit the coast of Bangladesh on October 24, 2022.

More than 10,000 people have lost their homes and 36 deaths have been officially reported. In Southwest Bangladesh, the cyclone induced a tidal surge that swamped coastal areas and devastated crops and fisheries.

More than 10 million people still do not have access to electricity in the Southwest Belt of Bangladesh. Not to mention the crisis occurs at a time when the nation is facing a power crisis.

Destroyed livelihood – struggles of a poverty-stricken community

Tropical cyclone Sitrang took a massive toll on the communities in densely-populated, low-lying areas. 10,000 homes were damaged, and more than 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres) of crops were destroyed. The loss amounts to 21,000 tonnes of paddy. Moreover, thousands of fishing projects have been washed away. The storm alone caused aquaculture producers to lose Tk 68 crore, according to the initial estimates of fisheries officials.

The cyclone destroyed families’ access to subsistence, primarily agriculture and fishing. Millions of people will likely have to start over with only clothing on their backs. This will be extremely difficult for a community that is already enduring extreme poverty.

Hence, the cyclone victims urgently need financial support to overcome the adversity.

UMR’s Emergency Response

UMR has launched a Bangladesh Cyclone Emergency project in response. We are providing emergency food kits, consisting of daily necessities such as rice, potatoes, lentils, cooking oil, and other essentials to withstand the calamity. Additionally, we are delivering hygiene packs filled with supplies like soap and towels.

Join us in our relief efforts to alleviate the post-disaster impact of Sitrang. To support the victims in overcoming the crisis, make a meaningful contribution today here: https://umrelief.org//bangladesh-cyclone

Pakistan Flood Crushed Over 30 Million People

Pakistan has had a long history of floods throughout the years. But the recent flood disaster broke all records because the number and strength of the monsoon rains in 2022 caused the worst flooding the country has ever seen. It began in June 2022 and continued through August 2022, impacting a growing number of communities. 33 million people are affected by the floods and among them more than 1,600 have died and 184,000 have been relocated.

More than 1 million homes have been washed away by floods and landslides caused by heavy rain. Crops and animals have been destroyed, so people in Pakistan who have been hit by floods cannot get food, medical care, clothes, etc.

Pakistan’s Minister has termed this intense flooding as the most “unprecedented” and hazardous disaster in the history of Pakistan flooding. The Government of Pakistan has appealed for international support and is collaborating with UN and international agencies to deliver aid.

Need for Immediate Action

The Pakistan Flood crisis requires immediate action. Millions of flood-affected individuals need basic staple food, nutritional supplements, hygienic drinking water, sanitation kits, medicines, temporary healthcare facilities, blankets, tarpaulins, and emergency shelters.

Then, they will need psychosocial support to deal with the traumas of the natural disaster and the things that need to be done after the disaster, like rebuilding and preventing future disasters.

UMR’s Urgent Response

UMR responds to flood emergencies with food relief, hygiene kits, safe water, and rehabilitation action. The situation in Pakistan, unfortunately, only seems to be getting worse. In this circumstance, we need immediate support. Your donation could save a life. A minimum of $65 will provide flood relief for one family.

Make Donation to Save Lives

People in Pakistan who have been hit by floods need our help more than ever right now. Make your contribution with UMR. You can make a real difference in the life of a family in need.

To support the cause, visit our donation page on the website at: https://give.umrelief.org/give/425474/#!/donation/checkout

Let’s become each other’s strength and stand by the flood-affected people in Pakistan.

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