The Cadre Harmonise, the current regional framework that assesses food insecurity situations in affected populations, announced in 2018 that “4.1 million people in Mali will be food insecure this year”.

Islamic Relief began working in Mali in 1997, helping people affected by the civil war in the northern regions.

Mali continues to be affected by food insecurity coercing families into vulnerable situations. The Qurban/Udhiya meat distribution targets the most vulnerable people in the countries Islamic Relief is implementing the Qurban within. The key groups are usually women, children, the elderly and refugees.

In Mali, Fanta, a 38 year old widow with eight children works in the market. She sells traditional medicines, a low-paying occupation and struggles to receive enough money to purchase rice and vegetables.

SOURCE Islamic Relief Mali

“We don’t eat meat every day in our meals, it is not affordable! Some days I don’t even have enough money for rice let alone meat. Some days, when I earn a little more money, I like buy some meat because I know that the children enjoy eating it.

 

Meat is full of vitamins. It is good for the development of the body. Children crave it and it makes them happy when they get to eat it. The day I cook meat they say: “Mum, we’re so happy we cooked meat today!”

 

I don’t earn much and I have to cope with what I get. I swear by Allah, I don’t even have a grain of rice in my house right now. Eid is meant to be a happy day, a day to enjoy nice food with your children and be happy. To eat meat along with rice to your heart’s content.

 

When children see this Qurbani meat they become so excited. We can spend a few days enjoying it by cooking it bit by bit.

 

When my husband passed away, my neighbour told me about Islamic Relief and how they can help sponsor my children and thanks to that I was able to send them to school.

 

We would like to thank all the people who donate from the bottom of our hearts. May Allah reward them all.”

In 2018, Islamic Relief aims to distribute meat to over 3 million people in over 34 countries. Each meat packet distributed contains a sufficient amount of meat (4 kg on average), for a family of four for one week. Each meat packet is designed to consist of fresh meat that is appropriate and acceptable for the dietary culture of the region.

You can learn More about our Qurban campaign here.