By the time you read this, I'll already be in Kenya. This mission is a follow-up to our activities in the drought-stricken Horn of Africa. Last November, we visited Ethiopia. At the time, I was traveling with Kelly Di Domenico, Communications Officer, and Danielle Gobeil, Deputy Director of the International Programs Department. Sad to say, this time I'll be traveling alone.
It is estimated that 3.75 million people are suffering from food insecurity because of the drought. That’s the equivalent of half the population of Quebec. At that level, I’m not sure I fully comprehend what those numbers mean.
During my stay, I will be telling you about the Daadab refugee camp, the largest in the world; Somaliland, an independent but unrecognized territory; Nairobi, this African metropolis that has now become a dangerous place; and finally, I will be visiting and talking about some of the projects we are supporting with Caritas Kenya.
After my visit to Kenya, I will go to Caritas Internationalis in Rome to attend a "regional summit" on the Horn. All of the Caritas organizations involved will be there. We will review the interventions made to date and develop ways forward for the months and years ahead. An excellent opportunity to obtain an overall picture of the situation, discuss a very special situation together with the other people working there, but also to meet first-hand all those with whom I communicate by e-mail! This will greatly facilitate future work.
Talk to you again very soon.