By Adam Ali.
Benghazi, 23 March 2015:
Benghazi recently has been blanketed with flyers announcing the launch of the “Benghazi Tnadekm” or “Benghazi . . .[restrict]is Calling You” campaign, which aims to deal with the growing problem of displaced people in the city.
The goal of the campaign is to raise enough money to provide for the construction of temporary housing for those who left their homes in Benghazi during the clashes but who intend to return.
The 58 schools and other centres that are currently providing shelter to many of the city’s displaced are overcrowded and under-heated. Furthermore, because of Libya’s deeply conservative culture, the close-quarters, communal living required in the shelters is very difficult.
In addition to this, Benghazi’s schools are needed for learning. The city’s youth have already missed one full year of instruction. Every effort must be made to re-open the schools for their intended purpose by the next academic year.
According to the latest statistics, approximately 14,000 families have left their homes in Benghazi temporarily. Assuming that 10% of their homes were destroyed in the fighting, it is estimated that 1,400 families are in need of housing, Mahmoud Kikhya, chairman of the Financial Committee and Benghazi Municipal Council member told the Libya Herald.
Because financial support from the state is currently unavailable, the success of the project will depend upon the generous donations of individuals and organisations.
The city council, in partnership with the Libyan Red Crescent and other NGOs has set up a website (www.benghazimun.ly/tnadekm) as well as bank account for both local (1446) and international (0111763627001) donations to the project. [/restrict]
