Mission de la Mer Rouge (MMR) is a small charity/NGO registered with the Djibouti government to provide humanitarian aid. It is staffed by an international team who provide their services, self-funded, for a few years at a time that may be renewed. Team numbers vary between 6 and 15. In the summer months, June to August it becomes unbearably hot (100-110°F) and there is often a dry, strong wind out of the desert that carries sand into every nook and cranny. Schools, colleges and even some businesses close down so it is traditional for staff to return to their home country for those three months.
The team has a principle about connecting with individuals, either personally or in small groups to provide humanitarian aid that will enable the recipients to become independent, self-motivated and confident so they can use the skills they have acquired to improve their job prospects and ability to cope with life.
MMR makes use of the skills, training and experience of the team members. Since starting in 1974, MMR has tried various projects such as using pumps to improve crop irrigation and a veterinary service for animal farmers but the most valued and effective project is the provision of language studies. Emmanuel English Library Centre (EELC) started in 1976 and is the largest activity. It is based in the heart of Djibouti City, the capital, and provides training classes, a library, bookshop and a coffee shop with English conversation at the top of the menu! A second centre is the Oasis Library in Tadjourah about a 3-hour drive away. There, both French and English are on the menu.
MMR is always looking for new opportunities to help needy Djiboutians and welcomes enquiries from those who are interested in joining the team. If you are interested in this please apply via Kerith Trust using the link on the contact page. MMR are grateful for the opportunity to work with Kerith Trust who will share news of their activities and be a conduit to help finance their projects.
Kerith Trust 