Background and Establishment

Himilo Relief and Development Association (HIRDA) is an independent non-profit organisation founded in Somalia in 1998 with the focus of empowering and uplifting local communities in the Horn of Africa impacted by the consequences of conflict, shocks, chronic poverty and diseases. Our name uses the Somali word ‘himilo’ meaning ‘vision’ to free Somalia from hunger, disease, illiteracy and poverty.

HIRDA was developed in partnership with  HIRDA  Netherlands  and Somali diaspora communities during the height of a challenging time in Somalia’s history. Our mandate as an independent organisation is to combat the consequences of the conflict and political instability, enhanced by the threats of climate change, COVID-19, and ongoing poverty in local communities.

Working collaboratively alongside government, donors, NGOs, and communities in Somalia, our work aims to improve outcomes across many areas including; gender-based violence (GBV), sexual assault, child protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), education, food security and livelihoods,health, and nutrition.

VISION

An empowered Horn of Africa, free from disease, hunger, poverty, and illiteracy.

MISSION

To improve the wellbeing of Somali ethnic groups in the Horn of Africa through the development and implementation of context- driven solutions to enhance self-reliance and improve access to basic social services for local and diaspora communities.

CORE VALUES

Equality Integrity Professionalism Respect Transparency Zero-Tolerance For All Forms Of Abuse