African Volunteers for Relief and Development (AVORD) is a local non-governmental organization established in response to the humanitarian crisis following the collapse of the Somali government. With decades of experience, AVORD has evolved from an emergency relief provider to a comprehensive development organization focusing on sustainable poverty eradication, emergency humanitarian response, capacity building, human rights advocacy, gender equality and peacebuilding in Somalia.
“The mission of AVORD is to uplift the poor people’s quality of life by enhancing their entrepreneurial capacity and household income, responding promptly to natural and manmade disasters and covering the urgent needs of effected communities for shelter, food, hygiene, health services and safe drinking water”
AVORD envisions to see a world where poverty is overcome and conflict is transformed in a constructive manner.
In working with local communities, donors and relevant stakeholders, AVORD is guided by the following principals:
- Do-No-Harm
- Mutual respect and understanding
- Equitability and impartiality
- Participation and transparency
- Partnership and cooperation
- Accountability
- Sincerity
- Self-confession (self-criticism, self-evaluation)
- Mission guided
- AVORD strives to enable the marginalized and vulnerable communities in Somalia and Africa break the cycle of poverty. To realize that goal, AVORD will:
- Promote the participation of vulnerable communities in the process of identifying their priority needs and formation of development policies that shape their lives in positive ways
- Enhance the living standards of vulnerable communities by investing in most productive economic infrastructures which could give them sustainable access to income sources
- Improve the knowledge and entrepreneurial skills of vulnerable communities, especially the youth, through vocational training and capacity building programs
- Maintain relationship and coordinate with national governments, local and international actors to secure necessary support and ensure that community needs are addressed jointly through collaborative efforts