File picture used for reference only.
The Ministry of Municipality and Environment in collaboration with the local charities is all set to launch a unique campaign to provide support and care to shepherds and animal care takers living in the desert, away from the city.
The week-long campaign dubbed Rayana (Our Shepherds) will start on Sunday and focus on raising health and safety awareness among this segment of workers and teaching them how to protect themselves from harsh weather.
The drive in its initial phase will cover 400 shepherds and security guards employed in farms. The Ministry has tied up with Qatar Charity, Sheikh Thani bin Abdullah Foundation for Humanitarian Services (RAF), Qatar Red Crescent, Sheikh Eid Charitable Foundation (Eid Charity) and Wasel company for the initiative.
“The campaign will begin next Sunday and continue until February 19 and its aim is to give support to labourers who are living in far away places and work in harsh weather conditions,” Khalaf Ajlan Al Anzi, director, Public Relations Department at the Ministry said in a press conference held at the Ministry headquarters yesterday.
The initiative also stems from the ministry’s keenness to support all efforts to develop livestock resource. That is why the Ministry has collaborated with a number governmental and non governmental entities, he added.
Special awareness camps will be set up in several targeted areas which are Al Mazroua, Simaisma, Al Shahaniya and Al Khor, said Al Anzi.
“During the campaign, a “shepherd bag” will be distributed which will include blanket, torch, jacket and a booklet in the native languages of the workers”, said Rashed Al Hajri from Eid Charity. “We will reach out to the guards and shepherds at their places and distribute meals, awareness booklets and bags that will include the items they need. The programme will be held from 8 am to 4 pm”, he added.
The Qatar Red Crescent will conduct medical tests for shepherds and awareness lectures focusing on general health and safety measures, especially to protect from winter diseases. It will also distribute some medical equipment. The workers will also get lessons about first aid and how to use it for their friends in case of need.
All these lectures will be held in the native languages of the workers, said Ibraheem Al Ajlan, Qatar Red Crescent representative. Ministry officials will deliver lectures about environment to increase environmental awareness.
Some excellent shepherds will be chosen to perform Umra at the expense of the charities involved.
“At the end of the campaign we will evaluate it and based on the feedback we will develop it to include other segments like sailors,” said Al Anzi. Abdulla Al Mahmoud, RAF representative said that such campaigns are important because it shows the respect and care for this section of the society.
