Map of Somalia
Somalia
Somalia has been a country in chronic complex emergency since 1991 when the Siad Barre government collapsed. The resulting civil war and frequent natural disasters have led to a lack of basic services and great human suffering and humanitarian crises.
World Vision has been working in Somalia since 1992 and is currently providing essential services (including health, water, education and livelihoods) for around 550,000 people in south and central Somalia and Somaliland.
Resources
External websites
ReliefWeb - A useful site, managed by UN OCHA, containing recent updates on humanitarian emergencies from UN agencies, NGOs and the press.
Reuters AlertNet - A humanitarian news website, provided by Reuters foundation, keeping people up-to-date on situations around the world.
Somali Support Secretariat - The website for the organisation providing secretariat support services to coordinate humanitarian programmes between the Somali authorities and international community.
Somalia NGO Consortium - The website for a consortium of national and international NGOs working in Somalia.
Cultural information
DO’s
- Modesty is strongly recommended in the Islamic culture
- Use your right hand for eating and accepting (including hand shaking)
- Dress appropriately (For women, long sleeved blouse, long dress, or cover as much as your arms and legs as possible. Trousers are not advisable and you are advised to cover your head with a scarf. For men, shirts and long trousers.)
- Give preference to older people.
- Show respect for Islam and cultural practices
- Abstain from alcohol - drink tea and coffee.
- Sit near the door when entering a room unless you are shown a seat of higher honour toward the interior of the room by your host/hostess.
- Sit with persons of the same gender.
DON’Ts
- Do not stand in front of someone who is praying
- Do not show that you are angry or in a hurry
- Do not shake hands with members of the opposite gender. (look to the other person to see if they put their hand out first. A religious leader may not shake hands with a younger woman.
