Khalaf Ajlan Al Anzi distributing gifts to shepherds.
A unique drive, called 'Rayana', to support shepherds was launched yesterday at Simaisma and Al Mazroua with the participation of a number of workers from farms in the areas.
The week-long drive is organised by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment in collaboration 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 Initiatives.
" The drive yesterday focused on two areas - Simaisma and Al Mazroua - and the charities have distributed top-up cards to shepherds to help them communicate with their families and relatives, in addition to bags containing several items they need and booklets to raise health awareness. Free medical tests were also offered to the participants", said Mohamed Al Beshri, General Manager of Wasel Company for Initiatives.
"The workers were happy, especially about the medical tests provided by Qatar Red Crescent. The municipality also conducted lectures on how to preserve the environment", Al Beshri added.
A large number of workers joined the campaign yesterday, and in Simaisma, the drive targeted about 150 workers.
The aim is to raise health and safety awareness among this segment of workers who are living in faraway areas and teaching them how to protect themselves from harsh weather.
The campaign will continue for one week and will cover 400 shepherds and security guards employed in farms, and targeted only four areas which are Simaisma, Al Mazroua , Al Shihaniya and Al Khor, and will be expanded to include other sectors.
“The launch of the campaign came from the ministry’s keenness to support food security and animal resources. The institutions will provide awareness courses related to workers’ safety and also teach them the best ways of dealing with animals," Khalaf Ajlan Al Anzi, Director, Public Relations Department at the ministry, said.
The shepherd’s bag includes blanket, winter clothes, a torch and some food items, among others, while the lectures will be held in the native languages of the workers.
At the end of the drive, some shepherds will be chosen to perform Umra at the expense of the charities involved.
