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obtained access to health care
received water, sanitation, and hygiene services
received prevention and care for violence against women and children
The Somali Peninsula is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, driven by the worst drought in over four decades and compounded by environmental changes. Since 2021, more than 4 million Somalis have been displaced, and many are experiencing severe hunger due to repeated failed rainy seasons. Dependent on farming and herding, communities have lost their livelihoods – while floods, conflict, and a collapsing health system have deepened the crisis. Most of the population is under the age of 30 – and have only known instability – so there are urgent needs for education, job opportunities, and long-term support. As access to clean water, health care, and safety remains limited, over 1 million Somalis have taken refuge in neighboring countries.
Alight is responding to urgent needs across the Somali Peninsula by delivering lifesaving services and building long-term resilience. Over the past year, more than 988,000 people received free, quality health and nutrition care; 208,000 gained access to safe water and sanitation; and 127,000 benefited from prevention and care services for violence against women and children. Alight also supported 18,200 school children with education, meals, and clean water, and provided vocational training to over 2,500 youth. To ensure sustainable water access, Alight is upgrading water sources, installing solar-powered systems, and training community-led committees to manage and maintain the infrastructure.
Jubba Agri-Fresh Ltd, Somalia’s first women-led tomato processing business in Jubaland, is a powerful example of how community-driven, female-led initiatives can drive economic growth and food security. Supported by Alight and partners, the enterprise reduces reliance on imports, creates jobs, and empowers women with training and ownership. “We’re not just processing tomatoes—we’re processing change. This is about food, dignity, and futures for our families,” says Saadia, one of the enterprise leaders.
Milk vendors in the Istanbul neighborhood of Kismayo once struggled to keep their milk cold and fresh. Without proper storage facilities, the milk they worked hard to collect often spoiled in the heat, leading to significant income loss. “With the milk ATM fridges provided by Alight, those days are behind us,” says Farah, a local milk vendor. “We’re finally able to keep our milk cold and fresh. Even if it doesn’t sell today, it’s still good for tomorrow. That’s a big change.”
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Alight's comprehensive regional response works to preserve the peace and safety of displaced people by co-creating thoughtful solutions with their communities to build resilience and pursue the lives and futures they want.
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Alight has been doing the doable for 45 years, and hopes to continue to do so for another 45 years+ despite the challenging times. We believe the world is full of amazing people who want to help - please consider a donation to Alight's Emergency Fund today!
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Since 2013, Alight has worked in Kismayo, creating sustainable communities focusing on housing, health, education, and resilience to natural disasters.
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Earlier this spring, a group of social media personalities, influencers, and athletes looked at what was happening in Somalia and wanted to do something to help. But right away they could see the scope of the crisis was far too big for their small group to make an impact.
READ MORE ↗Stay connected and learn how we respond to emergencies, amplify displaced voices, and provide sanctuary for those facing adversity.