Islamic Relief on the Libyan Tunisian border
24 March 2011
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Islamic Relief’s emergency response has so far delivered a convoy of aid to Benghazi, in east Libya, as well as helping more than 40,000 people fleeing the country to Tunisia in the west. Here aid worker Amara recalls her experience at the transitional camp at Ras Jdir Camp, Tunisia.
What has Islamic Relief done so far?
Thousands of men, women, and children fled the violence in Libya and have managed to cross the border into Tunisia. As usual, Islamic Relief was amongst the very first NGOs to provide emergency assistance to those suffering in the Libya crisis. I was keen to get to the Tunisian/Libyan border and support these hugely important humanitarian efforts.
By the time I reached the camp at Ras Jdir, our dedicated staff and inspirational volunteers had already done so much. They had set up tents to provide people with shelter from the elements. The team had assisted with building washing and sanitation facilities. Islamic Relief also has also provided food, water, clothing and bedding.
What is the emergency response team doing?
Our team of friendly staff and volunteers – mostly from the Tunisian Scouts Association - work tirelessly to clean up the rubbish from the campsite, wash the toilets down every hour and have even built fencing to allow the tented community more privacy and dignity. They have also been distributing food, water, blankets and other essentials, providing medical assistance, and giving people information about services available at the camp.
Many are working around the clock, snatching only a few hours sleep where they can and seldom stopping to eat or drink. Their indefatigable efforts and constant good cheer is truly humbling. They were from all different walks of life, nationalities, ethnicities and faiths, yet united together behind Islamic Relief’s humanitarian mission.
The team has a smile for every child and a friendly welcome for anyone who dropped by the Islamic Relief tent, seeking assistance. Their respect and warmth for the refugees is palpable. People are not treated as faceless statistics but rather, as individual human beings who deserve dignity and assistance.
Who did you meet in the camp?
I met many warm, wonderful people who are living in the camp whilst waiting to continue their journey.
What was it like being in the field?
In a crisis situation, many things don’t go as smoothly as you might hope. Patience, flexibility and a ‘can do’ attitude are essential. You must work as part of a team, and be able to think on your feet. This is no holiday trip and there’s no room to fuss about what you eat, drink or where you sleep. But like all the Islamic Relief team, I was simply privileged to be there to help the many thousands of people who look to us for support at this tough time.
Of course, the fantastic team spirit really helped keep me motivated. During a humanitarian crisis, there are often more male aid workers in the field, than women. But that certainly hasn’t held me back as an Islamic Relief aid worker. And as for the challenges of working in the field – long, difficult journeys, going without food for many hours – I just got on with it the same as my male colleagues.
What will you take away from the experience?
Participating in this global movement to serve others is truly humbling, and I’m privileged to be part of this world family. My time in the camp has reminded me yet again that there is inherent goodness and generosity of spirit in human beings the world over. It’s amazing.
There is pain, suffering, loneliness and hurt every day in the world. But there is also generosity, tenacity, empathy and kindness. And people of all walks of life are searching for a way to reach out a helping hand to a brother or sister, to make a real and lasting difference. Islamic Relief’s work provides the opportunity to do exactly that.
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