London based fashion photographer and director Olly Burn travelled to Somaliland. He documented the impact of the severe drought on the country’s nomadic population, where many have lost up to 70% of their herds.
'I was apprehensive ahead of the trip to Somaliland. Not only because it was a completely new experience for me, but I was also concerned about capturing images of hope and strength when the drought had been so severe and causing so much suffering. But my concerns faded when we reached the remote villages.
The villagers were so welcoming. It was a truly unique and beautiful experience spending time with these nomadic tribes who culturally are so far from the way of life we're used to. It was the incredible character, warmth and resilience of the people we met that made the essence of ‘Hope and Strength’ almost impossible not to capture.'
It was the incredible character, warmth and resilience of the people we met that made the essence of ‘Hope and Strength’ almost impossible not to capture.
35-year-old Nimo sits outside of her home as her youngest Sahra hides playfully behind her.
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Over the last three years, thousands of families have lost everything to drought, ShelterBox continues to help these families by providing vital aid items like water carriers and tarpaulin for shelter.
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Muna lives with her six brothers and sisters in a shelter made out of dozens of pieces of material crafted together over the years, protecting them from severe weather conditions they face every day.
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13-year-old Rahma used the ShelterBox solar lights to study in the evening when it gets dark, her favourite subject is English.
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As the droughts becomes more severe across Somailand, many women like Fosiya have become the head of the house while their husbands leave in search for water.
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Muna cradles her youngest child Abdiasis outside her home where they lost more than 150 livestock to drought.
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Families in Somaliland use ShelterBox tarpaulins to protect their home from the harsh weather conditions they are faced with throughout the year.
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It was the incredible character, warmth and resilience of the people in Somaliland that made the essence of ‘Hope and Strength’ almost impossible not to capture.
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29-year-old Muna is a farmer in Somaliland, she lives with her husband, five children, and disabled brother-in-law.
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Ufaso has 10 children. In her spare time she volunteers to cook for more than 100 children in the local school with very little supplies.
