The country of Yemen flew onto the international radar last Christmas Day when a man trained there tried to blow up a plane bound for the US (remember the underwear bomber?). However, GHNI has been working in this strategic country for several years. Just months before this incident, I was in Yemen and laying plans for our work there.

Just to help paint a picture for you, Yemen is located on the tip of the Arabian peninsula, just south of Saudi Arabia and on the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea. Just across those waters are Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti. Last February there was a ceasefire signed between Government forces and rebels. Tensions are still tight and the United Nations published an article on July 22nd warning that the humanitarian situation in northern Yemen is dire and under-funded.

When I was in Yemen, GHNI decided to contribute money to buy backpacks for some orphans. However, when our partner approached the orphanage, they said that the government had given them enough backpacks “literally the week after I left.” A little while later the director of the orphanage came back with an unusual request. Let me elaborate.

A short time ago there was a fire and a riot at the Central Prison (right next door to the orphanage). Two guards were killed, two inmates escaped and the warden subsequently fired.  This incident raised various concerns, including everyone’s awareness of fire safety.

Since the orphanage didn’t have any fire equipment, the director asked my friend if he could help them buy some fire extinguishers. Our friend agreed to help purchase the equipment, plus the necessary fire-safety training. Incidentally, the amount needed was the exact amount of the gift we left for the backpacks.

Because of the support of people like you to GHNI, the kids at the orphanage can sleep safely at night.

Jeff Latsa
GHNI Field Director