Vision:
SORDES envisions communities in Somalia achieving improved health, education, human rights, and sustainable development.
History
The Somali Relief and Development Society (SORDES) was established in June 2006 in Bardere, Somalia, by a group of Somali intellectuals responding to the devastating effects of civil conflict and famine. The organization was founded as a non-political and not-for-profit entity aimed at alleviating suffering and restoring dignity to affected communities through rehabilitation and development projects.
From its inception, SORDES concentrated on addressing the immediate needs of vulnerable populations, focusing on areas such as health, nutrition, agriculture/livestock, education, peace promotion, women empowerment, and environmental improvement. Recognizing the critical importance of community engagement, the organization emphasized raising awareness about dangerous diseases, child protection, and emergency response.
SORDES quickly established itself as a trusted grassroots organization in the Gedo Region, gaining recognition for its ability to collaborate effectively with local communities, diaspora groups, and international agencies. By fostering partnerships and prioritizing capacity-building among its staff, the organization has achieved significant milestones in service delivery, governance, and financial management.
Milestones and Capacity Building
To enhance its operational effectiveness, SORDES actively participated in several capacity-building initiatives. Notably, the organization benefitted from the SOCSIS6P and EPARA programs conducted by Oxfam Novib (Oxfam Netherlands). These programs provided training in organizational development, human resource management, financial management, governance, and emergency response, significantly improving SORDES’ readiness for crisis situations.
As a result of this training, SORDES developed seven organizational manuals to ensure transparency, accountability, and preparedness. These manuals encompass policies on governance, financial management, disaster risk reduction, and gender policies, enabling the organization to implement effective contingency planning.
Long-Term Objectives:
- Alleviate poverty through small-scale food production.
- Eliminate illiteracy through accessible education and vocational training.
- Improve the quality and accessibility of drinking water.
- Strengthen civil society and democratic participation.
- Serve as a liaison between local communities and international donors.
- Enhance staff training and institutional capacity.
- Raise awareness against child violence.
Short-Term Objectives:
- Provide access to healthcare, clean water, and sanitation.
- Promote agricultural productivity and food security.
- Empower women through skills training and financial support.
- Advocate for peacebuilding and reconciliation.
- Enhance community awareness of self-reliance, ownership, and civil society strengthening.
- Support adult education and literacy programs.
- Advocate for the eradication of female genital mutilation (FGM) and HIV/AIDS prevention.
- Protect the environment and promote sanitation. Support the rights of women and children.
Key Projects and Achievements
- SORDES has implemented numerous impactful projects, including:
- Emergency nutrition and health responses in drought-affected areas.
- Water and sanitation programs for displaced communities.
- Advocacy for child and maternal health through preventive and curative nutrition services.
- Distribution of emergency supplies for flood victims.
- Implementation of education and youth engagement programs
Mission:
To reduce poverty and human suffering in emergency and disaster situations while contributing to the overall improvement of living standards for communities in Somalia.
Core Values
SORDES adheres to principles of integrity, equality, transparency, accountability, non-violence, credibility, and inclusiveness, ensuring its commitment to delivering sustainable and equitable solutions to the communities it serves.
Address Location
Bardere Office: Location: Bardere, Somalia
Address Location
Kismayo Office: Location: Kismayo, Somalia
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