Africa: Turkey donates food to families in need

By Magdalene Mukami

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Turkey’s state-run aid agency on Wednesday launched a food aid program in the East African nations of Kenya and Djibouti, handing out food packets to hundreds of families in need.

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) provided food aid to over 100 families at the Jamia Mosque in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, one of the biggest mosques in the region.

Hassan Ole Nado, the head of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM), said at the event: “We are happy to receive these donations from TIKA and Turkish people. We look forward to partnering more in other matters including education. The food packages will help our Muslim brothers and sisters during this holy month of Ramadan.”

Eyup Yavaz Umutly, TIKA’s coordinator in Kenya, said: “As part of the annual Ramadan program, TIKA is extending a helping hand to those in need all over the world. Today we’re here at the Jamia Mosque to ensure our bothers get something to eat. We will continue to support Kenya and the Kenyan people.”

In a statement, TIKA said it is providing food aid to poor families in Djibouti and Kenya as a part of its Dining Table social solidarity program during the month of Ramadan.

In Djibouti, a Horn of Africa country, TIKA has started to distribute 16.5 tons of food aid to 330 needy families, said the statement.

Kutluhan Yucel, TIKA’s Djibouti program coordinator, said the month of Ramadan is a period that should see more sharing and charity among people.

In Kenya, TIKA said in a separate statement that it has started to distribute 36 tons of food packages and hygiene kits to 1,200 families during the month of Ramadan.

On the first day, some 215 food packages and hygiene sets were given to needy people and orphans living in the slums of South Kariobangi in Nairobi, according to the statement.

TIKA said Ramadan aid programs will be carried out in 87 countries under the Dining Table program.