HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
CONTENTS Message from the Director Somalia in 2014 HIRDA in 2014 HIRDA’s programs
1. Health
2. Education
3. Gender
4. Relief & Livelihood
5. Lobby and Advocacy
6. Diaspora Engagement
Future Plans Financial Statements Partners and Funders
05 06 12 15 16 19 22 25 28 29 31 32 37
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Massage from the director HIRDA has worked hard to improve the quality of life of Somali people in the Horn of Africa. HIRDA is a not-for-profit organization based in the Netherlands, with offices in Mogadishu, Hargeisa and Beledhawo (Somalia) but also in Nairobi and Mandera (Kenya), Leicester (UK). Through these branches HIRDA’s head office works together with donors and grass root and community based organisations. The support network of HIRDA is almost entirely run by Somalis, thus ensuring ownership and trust. Since its foundation in 1998, HIRDA has gone through a process of professionalization. It was able to increase it visibility through improvements in the communication strategy and was able to diversify funding. Hereby HIRDA was able to reach out to more people, than it did in the period before 2011. HIRDA is proud of the fact that it has increased its constituency among the Somali Diaspora in the past few years and its contribution to health, education, gender, youth, livelihood and Diaspora engagement. Now, HIRDA is on the brink of a new era. Many of the
goals in the strategic plan for 2011-2015 were reached. The situation in Somalia has changed and the economic situation has –slightly- improved. Furthermore policies of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Netherlands and other International communities will change significantly after 2015. HIRDA is 2014 revised its strategic plan and reconsiders the way the organisation works to ensure that in the next years we can improve the well being of Somalis in the Horn of AFRICA. The great strides we have made and our many accomplishments along the way would not have been possible without the commitment of our Diaspora members, partners, networks, staff and volunteers who have promoted HIRDA’’s vision, mission and objectives through their dedication and professionalism.
Fatumo Farah HIRDA director
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SOMALIA 2014 In 2012, after more than two decades without a formal parliament, a new government was seated in Somalia. Since the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1990 and the civil war that followed, Somalia has set the stage for anarchy and violence. Continuous fights between Muslim extremist group, clans, the ‘government’ army and foreign military organizations, have made ‘normal life’ in Somalia impossible. However, during recent years, the situation has stabilized in the North of Somalia and other parts of the country are relatively peaceful. This is partly due to efforts of the Somali Diaspora and the international community. A sizeable number of UN agencies, national and international NGOs continued to operate in Somalia with the hope of helping solve the humanitarian problems in the country. Due to high levels of insecurity, providing humanitarian assistance in Somalia remains a challenge. Regardless of this, various organizations have taking initiatives in diverse forms to provide humanitarian support to the people of Somalia. Most humanitarian partners continue to rely on local staff to implement their programmes. For the first time since the 2011 famine, food security began deteriorating rapidly.
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
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SOMALIa DJIBOUTI
Awdal
BOSSAASO
sanag
boSrama
bari
ERigAvo
hargeysa
w.galbeed
burao
togdheer
SOOL las anod garowe
NugAal
ethiopia galkayo
mudug Abudwak
DUSAMAREB
galgadud
BAKOOL
BELETWEYNE
HUDUR
hiiran
na d ba
kenya
gEDo
bardera
BAY
e
sakow
M.JUBA
L.JUBA KISMAAYO
8
ir
jalalaqci
GARBAHAREY
l el
b
a sh
Cold Chain
mogadishu Water catchement
2012 Campaign agains malaria
HIRDA office (also in Nairobi)
Stabilisation Center for malnourished children
2012 Campaign measles vaccination
Mother and Child Health Centers: Health care for pregnant women and children.
Children Outpatient Treatment Programme
School
Food Distribution
Women Empowerment Center
Peace Football Tournament
l.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
With dependence on subsistence farming and pastoral farming, drought as a result of failed rains was particularly detrimental in 2014. The poor rainfall during this period also led to low water availability for human and animal consumption. In some parts of southern and central Somalia, where rains performed better, experienced floods which caused an increase in waterborne diseases and temporary displacements. The high levels of malnutrition was increased further mainly as a result of the outbreaks of disease and acute food insecurity. Overall, Food insecurity and critical levels of malnutrition led to severe humanitarian situation for Somalia in 2014. Also, disease outbreaks such as cholera and measles, poor infant and young child feeding practices, lack of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health services, displacement of people, violations against civilians and insecurity remained core humanitarian issues for Somalia
The role of the Diaspora The role of the diaspora cannot be overlooked. In 2014, remittances from the Diaspora community played an important role in tackling food insecurity in Somalia. These remittances served as humanitarian assistance, aid, and foreign direct investment which helped reduce reliance on funds from foreign governments and international organizations. Support from the Somali Diaspora is critical for the
long term rebuilding and development of Somalia, and to successfully exit its state of humanitarian, political and security crisis and instability.  There was spontaneous return of Somalia refugees in 2014. Some refugees returned from Kenya to Somalia, others from Ethiopia to Somalia with about a reported 4,000 Somalis returned from Yemen. Over 12,000 Somalis were also deported from Saudi Arabia and Nairobi. These developments also added up to the issue of displacement. In 2014, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) supported some returnees with cash to cover transportation costs to their villages as well as a return package which included emergency shelter kits, nonfood items and agricultural tools and seeds.
Women & Girls in Somalia Sexual exploitation and assault of women and girls by the allied militia and government forces was on the increase. Internally displaced women and girls were particularly vulnerable to rape by armed men, with some reported cases of women and girls provided with humanitarian assistance, medicine, and food in exchange for sex. The allied militia also targeted children for recruitment. Various international and local organisations called for the implementation of the 2012 Action Plan to end the use of children by government forces.
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OPERATIONAL CHALLENGES
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Numerous challenges are encountered in an attempt to provide assistance to help Somalia get back on its feet.The decision to pursue a humanitarian operation in Somalia ought to be made with substantial costs in mind. Among some of the operational challenges encountered during the year under review was funding constraints. Funding of projects and initiatives has been and continue to be the main challenge to timely and appropriate response to humanitarian issues in Somalia.
aid workers. The security context and the operational environment that both international and local aid agencies face have severely restricted humanitarian activities. Humanitarian organizations are unable to reach vulnerable and people in dare need. Assistance cannot be provided efficiently and in proportion to need due to insecure supply routes to towns and villages. Some organizations resorted to providing assistance using different means such as the use of air cargos; cash transfer mechanisms and local partners. However
Also, humanitarian access in Somalia remains dangerous and difficult for NGO’s and International organizations due to the level of insecurity. Somalia is one of the most inimical countries to
these means were not without their constraints. HIRDA is confronted with all these obstacles but struggles to remember that the future of Somalia is in the tenacity and strength of the people who want Somalia to rise from the ashes.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
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HIRDA 2014 HIRDA stands for Himilo Relief and Development Association. Himilo means ‘vision’ in Somali language. The Somali Diaspora in the Netherlands founded HIRDA in 1998 as a non-profit organization. Together with other organisations, HIRDA finds lasting solutions to poverty and human suffering in the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia. HIRDA acts as a bridge between the local communities, Diaspora and international donor organizations. It mobilizes Somali Diaspora to engage in the development of their country of origin. Since its establishment, HIRDA is continuously growing. Having become one of the leading migrant organizations working on development issues in the Netherlands, it has further increased its capacity to obtain structural funding from funding agencies. Also, the different organizational levels within the HIRDA team have undergone training to ensure the efficient and effective accomplishment of the organisations goals.
Organisational Driving Forces 1. Effective Leadership: Fund-raising for projects is HIRDA’s main focus. The fund raising efforts of HIRDA within the reporting period resulted in moderate increase
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
in income. The good leadership of HIRDA director and the combined efforts of HIRDA team in Somalia and stakeholders led to this success. 2. Neutrality and Transparency: HIRDA’s successful project implementation in 2014 was due to its neutrality in Somali politics, field team capacity and financial transparency. HIRDA’s self-image as a neutral and transparent organisation won the admiration of its donors. This has led to partnership with UNICEF, Oxfam Novib and the Ministry of education of Somalia. One notable example is that Oxfam Novib selected HIRDA to implement projects in Somaliland because of its neutrality and capacity of implementing big projects. 3. Advocacy: HIRDA’s lobby and advocacy succeeded to organize the Diaspora communities to link back to their country of origin. HIRDA created youth networking in Europe through media networks and helped them to claim their cultural identity. HIRDA has been dedicated in operating as a neutral and impartial organisation with its focus on implementing a well-coordinated, sustainable, multifaceted and comprehensive approach to respond to the prolonged Somali conflict. Up to date this has not changed. The only thing that has changed is the expansion to parts that had not previously gotten much attention like the empowerment of women and youth unemployment.
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Our strategy is mainly based on the following: • Community-based approach: Building and developing reliable and realistic relationships with all parties in the intervention areas. The local community is involved in the designing and implementation of projects in order to gain confidence and trust. • Working with proven and trusted local groups. • Frequent discussions with regards to community needs. • Ensuring that our activities do not stimulate (religious) groups’ competition and division. • Women empowerment and youth integration. • Pragmatic approach to strengthen the delivery of essential basic needs. By working through an international network, HIRDA is able to anticipate in a flexible and timely manner and adapt to the dynamic context of Somalia. Somalia’s problems are big and interconnected affecting every aspect of daily life. These problems include but are not limited to less-functioning government departments, insecurity and poor economic situation. HIRDA envisions Somalia as a healthy society in which youth have a good perspective for their future. Lasting change
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in Somalia can only be reached through a sustainable change in the mind-set of the Somali people especially the youth. HIRDA engages with the communities to raise awareness of their responsibility to change and empowers them on ways to improve local circumstances in terms of sound economic and social development. By working closely with local communities and organisations in Somalia, project ownership is achieved. Among HIRDA’S partners are local governments, community-based organisations (CBOs), local administrations, community elders and community education committees (CECs). These local grass-root organisations fill the gaps left by the failure of the Somali state. These organisations and institutions are the key to ensuring successful implementation and continuation of programmes. For that reason, HIRDA collaborates closely with these local organisations and actively work to build their capacity. HIRDA also collaborates with organisations that also aim to improve the quality of life of the Somali people. HIRDA has built up close relationships with several international agencies, both in the Netherlands and in Somalia to maximize the impact of Diaspora contributions. These organisations include Oxfam Novib.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
HIRDA’S programs HIRDA envisage a Horn of Africa where Somalis live in one accord, without hunger and where there are equal opportunities for all. HIRDA strives towards a region where people can speak freely and where they can make their own choices in life. HIRDA has six programs namely: Health, Education, Gender, Relief & Livelihood, Sports and Lobby&Advocacy and Diaspora engagement, which contributes to this vision. These programs are strongly interrelated. As an organization for and by Somalis, HIRDA understands truly what is happening on the ground. HIRDA works in an integrated manner and act accordingly, when circumstances demand so. Below is a description of the six programs.
HEALTH
EDUCATION
GENDER
RELIEF & LIVELIHOOD
DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT
LOBBY AND ADVOCACY
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HEALTH In Somalia there is a poignant lack of basic health care. Since the Somali government has been unable to provide a stable and sustainable health care structure, many Somali’s, especially in rural areas, find themselves deprived of any form of health care. HIRDA strives for Improving mother and child health, reducing mortality rates resulting from malnutrition, reduce preventable diseases and improving health care structures. HIRDA implemented in 2014 several health programs throughout Somalia. HIRDA focuses on providing antenatal care, clean and safe delivery, vaccination of mothers and children and supplementation with vitamin A and Iron. Trained Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), provide antenatal/ postnatal care, clean delivery services in the villages and refer complicated cases to the midwives in Mother and Child Health (MCH) clinics. HIRDA has also been actively involved in the anti malaria fight with house to house distribution of mosquito nets and malaria education. A demonstration on how to use, hang and care for the mosquito nets
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was undertaken during mobilization and distribution of the nets. HIRDA supervisors directed each of the distribution while recorders registered the required information of beneficiaries and completed the community distribution registers. Immunization Programs Immunizations were conducted among women of childbearing age and children less than five years at the MCH by mobile teams providing outreach services in the remote villages to increase coverage. Cold chains were set up in Bardera and Belethawa districts to support and promote these outreaches. HIRDA distributed vaccines to all planned cold chains in the region in timely and all-inclusive manner for the immunization across the region. Health and education was carried out at the MCHs and at village level by nurses, EPI mobile team and Community Health Workers (CHWs). This promotes the adoption of health living practices and use of healthcare services with the aim of changing behavior to support the effectiveness in improving health.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
MCH HIRDA’s health teams provided continual supervision and support to the 22 health posts, on job training of CHW and delivery of monthly basic medical supplies. Some of the basic services that are carried out at the health posts included health education, basic treatment of common diseases and Zinc/oral dehydration for children.
de-worming of mother and children under 5 years, supplementation of micro nutrients such as low dose vitamin A and Iron, better service delivery by a trained midwives at the MCHs, health promoting behavioral communication and prevention measures of diseases and other health related behavioural changes.
Maternal and child care were provided. Some of the activities carried out here included but were not limited to; Vaccination of children under the age of 1 year, treatment of children diseases, pregnant mother’s medical check ups, health education sessions that promote young child feeding, micro nutrient supplementations to mother and child,
During the project period an increased number of women with complications received quality care through referral services. The project interventions contributed to saving the lives of newborn in these health facilities. This project improved health, hygiene and Nutrition to about 75%, that is 30,574 Children under 5years participated in the program.
No. of Children under
No. of Children under
No. of pregnant women
1 years covered FOR
5 years covered FOR
who rEceived antenatal
THE PROGRAM
THE PROGRAM
or postnatal care
89%
73%
OF TARGET SET (7282)
OF TARGET SET (30.574)
63%
OF TARGET SET (6273)
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Distribution of Mosquito Nets Malaria remains the most common cause of illness and death in Somalia, particularly among pregnant women and children under the age of five. HIRDA had signed an agreement with Global Fund Malaria Program by UNICEF to support the implementation of the national malaria strategy project through distribution of Long-lasting Insecticidal Mosquito Nets (LLINs) at Garbaharey, Burdhubo, Belet-hawa, Bardera and in the new IDP camps in Dolow and Luuq districts in Gedo region. HIRDA distributed the nets with the help of the community such as chiefs, women group representatives, teachers, local administration, sheikh and imams in order for them to also spread the word to the community members.
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District Mobilized
Elders Sensitized
Estimated Population Reached
BeletHawa
140
32540
Bardera
260
44230
Garbaharey
280
49360
Burdhubo
120
18790
Dolow
20
2000
Luuq
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1230
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
EDUCATION Conflict and natural disasters in Somalia has deprived most children the right of going to school to better their lives and that of their families. Enrolment rates in primary education in Somalia are among the lowest in the world. Somali ethnic groups in neighbouring countries usually don’t go to school. Chances for girls to enrol and finish primary school are even worse than for boys.
creating a favourable environment for education to take place. This includes hygiene and sanitation in the schools, distribution of sanitary pads for girls to keep them in school and educational training.
HIRDA believes that improved access to and enhanced quality of education will result in better opportunities for graduates. Within the intervention area of Education HIRDA have the following six main objectives: Creation of a more child friendly learning, Improve education opportunities for school aged and deprived children, enhancing the quality of teachers, uniting the different school curricula into one single curriculum, raising community awareness on the importance of education and increasing girl’s enrolment in schools.
These orphans are in need of food, shelter, clothes, education and healthcare. HIRDA sees a well educated, self-reliant Somali youth as a fundamental aspect of the development of Somalia. Therefore, HIRDA with support of ARAHA and Oxfam Novib has been able to support 160 orphans and children from poor families in five schools in Kismaio, Mogadishu, Abudwak, Bardera and Baidiao by paying the school fees and providing them with materials such as books and uniforms. 8118 (41% girls) school children have access to education supplies. A total of 247 kits that comprises of three items (School in a kit, Replenishment kit and Recreational Kit) were successfully distributed to 50 schools in Dolow and luuq.
To reach the above mentioned goals HIRDA has implemented in several projects such as sponsorship for poor children and girls, organizing education networks meeting,
Sponsorship As a result of the protracted civil war in Somalia, there are many orphaned children.
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School Hygiene and Sanitation Since HIRDA implemented a school hygiene survey in 40 schools in 2012; it has shown that the levels of hygiene in many schools are very poor. HIRDA implemented activities of school hygiene and sanitation with school associations. It also trained 250 school teachers on school hygiene and sanitation so that they can transfer key messages to students on garbage collection, hand washing, how to use latrines and to avoid germs. HIRDA also invited community committee, community leaders, parents, the regional focal point of the ministry of education to participate in the school hygiene training and ensure proper utilization of project deliveries. A total of 8118 children (41% girls) are now educated on hygiene and their school is a safer and cleaner learning environment with a total of 274 teachers (15% females), and 395 CEC members (43% female) being trained and educated as well. HIRDA implemented the school hygiene and sanitation programme for 10 schools in Hargeisa and Burao from March to May 2014. Water tanks were distributed to the 10 schools as well as hygiene and sanitation materials for garbage collection. Training was conducted for teachers/parents and school children to
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raise awareness. The schools latrines were also repaired. The overall objective of the project was to enhance and improve the hygiene and sanitation situation for boys and girls in Somalia and increase the accessibility to a clean environment. This led to improved hygiene behavior and practices in the target project area. Millions of girls in Somalia do not attend school when they are menstruation. Girls are part of Somali Development and they have to continue their education in order to have a female doctor, engineer, pilot, politician, lawyer etc. HIRDA gave opportunity to these girls by helping them not to miss school. The re-usable pads have been brought from Uganda and Kenya and were 2000 boxes, every box contains 8 pieces of re-usable pads. HIRDA selected 250 school girls from different schools and each received a box that contains 8 pieces. The Schools’ Management executed this particular project. They have distributed re-usable pads and taught the girls on how to use them. The school principals have received a sanitary tool kits like wheelbarrow, buckets, cups, spades, soap etc. Laaya is one of the villages on cross border line between Ethiopia and Somaliland. The students in primary school have no basic furniture (chairs/tables) and they sit on small bricks. All the girls have left the school
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
except one girl who is sitting in front of the boys. To address such situation, HIRDA provided school furniture and training to Laaya School after mobilization of local community who contributed 30% while HIRDA contributed 70% of school furniture and training.
Teachers and CEC Training HIRDA held different trainings such as job trainings and child to child approach trainings. On job training 395 Community Education Committees (CEC) members (45% females) were trained on education for peace building, social cohesion and development of school improvement plans in 50 schools in Dolow and Luuq. 50 young (18% female) facilitators were trained on Child to Child (CTC) Approaches from the
50 schools in Dolow and Luuq districts for 7 consecutive days. A total of 50 schools, 15 in Luuq and 33 in Dolow have functional CTC clubs.
Education networks Round table HIRDA annually brings together education networks in order to discuss the problems and make a good strategy to find a solution; the theme for the year 2013 was a workshop on how to harmonize the curriculum of the schools. In 2014 HIRDA focused on school hygiene and sanitation which is very important for the sake of the children. The meeting took place in Mogadishu in 2014. There was 60 participant coming from education networks, universities and ministry of education.
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GENDER About half of Somalia population comprises of women and girls. As a result of the conflict, women and girls in Somalia are encountered with inhuman conditions which range from sexual assault, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), issues of discriminations, unfair treatment and injustice, early marriages, teenage pregnancies etc. Girls who get married or give birth at a young age have a greater vulnerability to violence and health risks. 65% of women between the ages of 15-64 participate in the domestic hard labour force. Somalia was recently ranked the fifth most dangerous country in the world for a woman. Women in Somalia have been marginalized with low education and leadership opportunities for women. HIRDA runs program in Somalia to empower women which focuses on gender equality and women’s empowerment not only as human rights, but also as a pathway to achieving the Millennium Development Goals and sustainable development. HIRDA supports women’s organizations to be more effective and sustainable. We provide training, resources and support
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to women’s organizations and Women’s organization’s work in a wide range of fields including rehabilitating women suffering from violence, unemployment, poor health and education, lack of rights and inequality. It supports and lobbies for campaigns of marginalized women and communities on key issues of women sector. In a country ravaged with war HIRDA has been taking strides in the grassroots because women are the backbone of the society and with proper guidance and direction women are the key to help rebuild Somalia.
Women Empowerment HIRDA has come up with several goals in women empowerment and helping women has proven to better the community as a whole. Better communication, team building, co-ordination and nurturing of entrepreneurial skills that will not only give livelihoods for these women but also be a source of revenue for the development of the country economically. Hard work and perseverance efforts have made better lives for many people not just for the short-term but also for the long- run. Teaching handicraft methods
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
for women and children to benefit from is one of the major steps that have been taken by HIRDA who have distributed sewing machines to selected business women and skilled women in Garbaharey, Abudwak and Mogadishu. Women who were eligible for the loan of the sewing machines were trained on literacy courses. 20 women signed the contract 10 sewing machines and loans were provided to the women. 20 women were trained, 80 took the literacy courses and 20 members of the leading women organization were identified for further leadership training. HIRDA was also involved in making available English language and computer classes.
This is important because the training projects contribute to women financial and literacy resources which will help them make their future brighter and improve women’s immediate and long-term needs. This project teaches underprivileged women techniques in sewing and embroidery to enable them to be able to use these skills to earn a living and boosts business women’s financial capacity.HIRDA also took the initiative on training women on conflict and organization management skills, in addition to supporting women leadership position through training. A total of 330 women leaders were trained on how they can manage conflicts and organization.
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FGM Campaign (proud of Me)
Women’s Day 2014
AGAD, which is supported by HIRDA, organized 4 monthly meetings reaching approximately 400 direct beneficiaries and 1200 indirect beneficiaries to raise awareness on FGM and violence against women. It will also organize monthly radio discussions and monthly meetings. In these meetings and radio discussions, religious leaders will speak about FGM from a religious perspective as well as a woman who used to perform FGM on young girls for a living. The organization studied various global reports on FGM for example from UNICEF which was sent by HIRDA.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is defined as a procedure involving partial or total removal of female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs. In Somalia, FGM prevalence is about 95 percent and is primarily performed on girls aged 4-11.
International Day of Zero Tolerance against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) In the light of the national and international fight against FGM, Pharos, HIRDA and Platform 6/2 organized Zero Tolerance Day in Utrecht on the 6th of February to discuss the progress made. HIRDA presented its preliminary findings on the FGM research in Somalia, which states that there is 7897 percent chance that a girl in Somalia is circumcised between the fifth and tenth year in her life. Nur Albayrak from the Dutch Ministry of Security and Justice said that it is against the laws of Netherlands for a girl to be circumcised.
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FGM can have severely adverse effects on the physical, mental and psychosocial well being of those who undergo the practice. The health consequences of FGM are both immediate and life-long. Despite the many internationally recognized laws against FGM, it remains embedded in Somali culture. This is why on 8 March, 2014 Hirda organized five events in five different regions of Mogadishu, Hargeisa, Galkaiyo, Abudwaq and Belet-Hawo where over 2000 women participated in the organized events over the dialogue concerning issues such as FGM, violence against women, early marriage and women political participation. HIRDA plans to expand these events in the future for more public awareness on these issues that do not have a place in the future moving forward.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Relief & Livelihood Agriculture is an important economic activity in Somalia not only in terms of meeting the food needs of the population but also in terms of generating income through crop sales and agricultural labour opportunities. HIRDA implemented agriculture projects in Somaliland namely Gebiley , Arabsio and Hargeisa district in 2014 with the overall objectives of increasing the income of small farmers and to increase crop production through provision of basic farm input supplies. The project assisted farmers to access farm inputs and technical skills which are expected to contribute to higher yields, household food self-sufficiency, employment opportunities for unskilled labours and the generation of surpluses for sale, as well as reduce the gap between domestic production and consumption to improve the immediate to medium-term supply of food produced and available. More than 92 farm families in Somaliland with casual labours were supported and empowered through access to good agricultural practices skills training, technical advice and basic farm input supports and cash for work program during
the project period. The project distributed basic farm inputs including various vegetable seeds, agriculture hand tools, water pump machines, wheel barrows, hand sprayers and other materials to 32 households from five villages of Gebiley and Hargeisa districts localities in Somaliland. The handover ceremony of farm inputs was attended by vice governor of Gebiley, Mayor of Arabsio, agriculture regional coordinator in Gebiley, local councils, elders, HCI representative and local mass media in Somaliland.
Cross Border project for pastoral and agro-pastoral communities HIRDA operates in 10 villages on cross border line between Somaliland and Ethiopia that are predominantly inhabited by pastoralist and agro-pastoralists. The cross border area suffers from recurrent droughts and regular clashes among tribes living on the cross border line as well as new police from Ethiopia sides who loot livestock and commodities across the border. HIRDA took a full role in the public
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and private debate on key social and policy identification at cross border community to influence cross border policy issues like trade, pastoral mobility, and security and diseases surveillances. To address cross border issue crisis, HIRDA reached 1063 households in cross border line through trainings, awareness, participatory research of cross border issues and study visibility.
Resilience through Sports HIRDA uses sports as a platform to carry the message of peace and tolerance in both the people living in Somalia but also in the Diaspora. Football, tennis and basketball tournaments have been held at several venues over the year with several events being organized in different locations. HIRDA uses sports as a tool to promote peace and development in East Africa, especially in Somalia. The objective of the tournaments is to involve young people, in particular Somali immigrants, and teach them the importance and value of sports and how it can unite and support the peace process. HIRDA has also distributed sport kits to youth in Somalia to encourage and develop exercise, sports and outdoor life for seniors. The sport education promoted health and physical condition for youth.
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Our organisation has created games and local clubs among school children in Borama and Hargeisa. During the past year of 2013 we developed in collaboration with the schools in Somaliland to create school games. On June the 14th HIRDA participated in the Charity Cup. An annual football cup in the Netherlands organized by a leading Dutch NGO and attended by around 24 NGOs. The aim of the cup is to bring together colleagues of the NGO work field and to create understanding and friendship. Participation in this cup is very important to HIRDA as it underlines HIRDA’s view on sport and peace. On June 20th, HIRDA organized the annual Amsterdam Football Tournament (AFT) where Somali teams from the Netherlands and Europe played against each other.
Amsterdam Futsel Tournament 2014 HIRDA wants to convey the importance and value of sports to young Somali Diaspora in and around the Netherlands. HIRDA believes that a sport is a powerful tool in preventing youngsters from becoming socially isolated and decreasing the stigma concerning immigrant youth with troubling behaviour. Sport provides adolescents a positive outlet to let go of frustrations and harmful influences, thus preventing nuisance in their surroundings.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
Each year HIRDA organises the Amsterdam Futsal Tournament (AFT) and the HIRDA Summer Tournament; two football tournaments in Amsterdam involving different teams from Europe. The participants of AFT are stimulated to be frontrunners on the field as well as in their private lives, so they can involve and inspire other young boys and girls in their immediate surroundings. The AFT also
functions as a platform for Somali youth in the Netherlands to share their experience and knowledge, and to support each other with issues such as integrating in society. The target group and reach have been expanded with the tournament in 2012 by hosting an all-women basketball competition. In this way, HIRDA empowers young Somali Diaspora in Europe.
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Lobby and Advocacy Achieving advocacy and policy coherence and cohesion is challenging given the different mandates of agencies. Yet the events of the past year have forced NGOs to come together to speak out when political actors in the international community have not. HIRDA aims to lobby the NGO’S, donors, the Somali community and its government to move beyond this ‘rhetoric of concern’ towards the implementation of this rhetoric.
Support to government on community needs The project sensitized local authorities at district and national level to address community needs at cross border to come up with proper strategy for community supporting. issues discussed with the Government, this includes, government working closely with community and assists in basic social services, such as education, monitoring of livestock diseases, security at local and national levels. Sharing information and coordination of project implementation progress was also another thing agreed during these discussions with the relevant line ministries.
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Cooperation communities Stakeholders Coordination, synergy and joint programming and planning with partners, research institutions, NGOs and relevant government institutions were conducted, etc. HIRDA regularly participates in the coordination meeting organized by Oxfam, partners and various government line ministries and other stakeholders both in Somaliland and Ethiopia. Among the forums/meetings which HIRDA have participated in monthly basis include; coordination meeting organized by NERAD, ministry of environment, ministry of water and minerals, SOLPAF. In such coordination meetings, HIRDA presents its activities, lessons learnt as well as challenges to the wider partners and with the main objective of influencing and contributing to pastoral policy change in Somaliland. The government was also involved in conducting monitoring of the project through attending trainings/ assessment on youth and women leadership and cross border platform meetings.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT As a Diaspora organization, HIRDA’s interventions are legitimized and supported by the Diaspora. But the Diaspora sometimes finds itself in a fragile social position. Diaspora members are spread throughout the world, often far away from family and friends. In their ‘new’ home country they may experience difficulties integrating in a society, which may result in exclusion or troubles with the educational system or labour market. HIRDA tries to empower the Somali Diaspora by actively engaging them in our organization. Many of our volunteers have
Somali roots. Second, the organization tries to strengthen the the relationship between HIRDA and the Diaspora by organizing international (sport) events for the Diaspora. Last, HIRDA, and especially its director, is representing the Somali community and its needs on the (inter)national stage (see paragraph ‘lobby and advocacy). Investing in the relationship with its’ strongest supporters, young and older diaspora members will ensure knowledge and financial resources for the future generations.
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Global Forum for migration and Development in Stockholm
HIRDA invited the Somali Singer
On May 14th - 16th, HIRDA attended the Migration and Development Forum in Stockholm, where the Director, Farah Fatumo on how migrants and migration impact human and economic development, presented a paper. Fatumo Farah presented a Somali case to highlight the connection between the Somali all over the world and the impact of the Somali Diasporas on the development of Somalia
As part of HRDA’s activities in the year 2014, Somalis from all parts of the Netherlands gathered together in Amsterdam in wait of the Somali legendary singer Ahmed Naaji Sa’ad, who is popular for his moving songs and lyrics for decades. Together with SOMVAO (Somalische Vereniging Amsterdam en Omgeving) HIRDA organized this event on the April 16, to honour and thank Sa’ad for his music that has
Sa’ad to the Netherlands
contributed to reconciliation and peace building in Somalia.
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
HIRDA Future Plans Despite the unstable conditions and the state of lawlessness in Somalia, the situation also provides opportunities for those willing and able to see them. Somalia’s economic performance has improved and trade is flourishing. The Diaspora is important in the recovery of the economy of Somalia; 80% of the start-up capital for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Somalia was provided for by the Diaspora. HIRDA is working on making the Somali people self-reliant, and the country -in the long term- independent of foreign aid. To do so, it is crucial that projects are realized in a sustainable way; projects should be self-sufficient and financially self-supportive so their existence will not depend on funding of HIRDA or of partners. This implies that HIRDA stimulates innovation in design and implementation of projects, with an emphasis on youth entrepreneurship. Through the large
network of HIRDA, both inside as well as outside of Somalia, HIRDA finds itself able to contribute to the economic development by matching Diaspora investors with local business opportunities. Anticipating on these opportunities, HIRDA explores the possibilities to start and facilitate (social) businesses. There is another reason to focus on entrepreneurship: in the past HIRDA has invested in improving the educational system in Somalia. Thousands of Somali children got access to quality education. Now these children have grown up and their needs have changed; to ensure a good future they need a job. This is why HIRDA invests in social business and thereby creating jobs. In order for HIRDA’s social businesses and ‘regular’ projects, to be successful, HIRDA will continue to closely collaborate with its existing partners and look for new partnerships that could help to add value to its work, and vice versa.
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
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A. STATEMENT OF INCOME 2013 income
2013 - €
Funding from Oxfam Novib
417.809
582.882
Funding HCI Canada
43.480
64.053
Funding DMO
21.179
-
Funding BID Network
12.303
-
Fundraising and Contributions in NL
15.167
78.379
Funding UNICEF Somalia
477.717
694.354
Fundraising in Somalia
61.570
54.348
Other Income
12.397
53.659
In Kind Income
201.179
307.294
Total Income
1.262.801
1.834.969
2014 - €
2013 - €
expenses
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2014 - €
Programme cost Somalia
967.064
1.177.493
Programme cost The Netherlands
48.499
37.824
In Kind Value and Distributions
201.179
307.294
Personnel Cost
134.031
114.818
Housing Expenses
25.647
33.031
Office Expenses
17.462
20.133
General Expenses
29.944
42.823
Depreciations
2.061
3.988
Incidental Income
47.578
-
Exchange Results and Other Bank Cost
7.848
38.918
Total Income
1.370.461
1.776.320
Balance of Income and Expenses
107.660
58.649
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
b. balance sheet as at december 31, 2013 assets
31 dec 2014 - €
31 dec 2013 - €
Fixed Assets / Tangible Fixed Assets 6.149
4.574
Receivables
25.448
158.846
Bank and Cash Balances
124.492
172.028
Total
156.089
335.448
31 dec 2014 - €
31 dec 2013 - €
Inventory Current Assets
liabilities
Association’s Funds Equity Funds
1.170
98.939
Restricted Funds for Pension Reserve
30.000
30.000
Accounts Payable
-
8.882
Taxes
1.136
2.561
Other Liabilities and Accrued Items
126.123
195.066
127.259
206.509
156.089
335.448
Corrent Liabilities
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Explanation of income
Programme costs
In 2014, income of the organization decreased 29% compared with2013. The expenditure also decreased by 28% compared to 2013.The decrease in total income compared o 2013 can be explained by: The decrease of the in-kind donations by UNICEF Somalia.
There is slight decrease of programme costs compared with 2013.This is explained by the decrease of activities in the relief programme. Our activities are mainly project-based. In 2013 a famine struck Somalia, and several emergency projects were funded by various donors, such as Comic Relief.
Funding from MFS II HIRDA is part of Impact Alliance. The funding from the Alliance is spent on education and gender equality programmes.
In 2014 UNICEF decreased its in-kind donation (nutrition, medicines, and mosquito nets) as it has increased its partners in the Gedo-region.
Programmes in the Netherlands Funding from UNICEF Funding from UNICEF Somalia was decrease in 2014 compared with 2013. HIRDA Somalia won the contracts of education late in 2014.
Donations There is slight increase in donations compared with 2013, due to increased fundraising activities in2013. The donations are mainly from US Diaspora, small foundations and private donations.
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In 2014 the expenditure for the Diaspora programme in the Netherlands has decreased, as the project Resilience through Sports has finished in 2013. Programmes in the Netherlands The personnel costs are relatively stable. The expenditure for the Dutch programme officer is included within the costs. The slight increase is explained by the hiring new personnel of the cross border project.
HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
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GOVERNANCE
STAFF HIRDA SOMALIA
Board HIRDA Netherlands Mohamed Abdisalam Egal Chairman Ismail Ali Vice-chair Abdishakuur Halane Sahra Abdi Mohgoub Idris
Matan Dahir Country Director Hassan Abdi Keynaan Regional Director Gedo Karen Moraa Project Officer Malaria Abdiwali Jama Hhealth and Nutrition Coordinator Gedo Salub Ismail Project Officer Livelihood Somaliland Aaaden Hassan Project Officer Education Gedo Fatumo Mohamed Financial Officer Gedo Awil Abdulle Project Officer Central Somalia Abdidahir Aden Dirie Representative SC Council Luul Shariif Officer Manager Mogasishu Ahmed Farah Aways Project Officer Education Kismaio
STAFF HIRDA NL Fatumo Farah Director Diede Sterenborg Project officer Benthe van Vleuten Reasearch officer Helenka Spanjer Communications officer Faisa Abbas Communications officer Abdinour Mohmoud Project officer Netherlands activities Said Handulle Events officer Farhiya Muusa Financial officer Abdullahi Egal ICT officer
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HIRDA ANNUAL REPORT 2014
FUNDERS
PARTNERS
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Himilo Relief and Development Association (HIRDA) Wibautstraat 150, 1091GR Amsterdam, The Netherlands E-mail: info@hirda.org Tel: 020 71 63 831 www.hirda.org
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