About Us

Step Forward Organization (SFO) is a non-governmental, non-political, non-profit humanitarian and development organization, founded in 2012 with the commitment to respond to the needs of the most vulnerable communities across Somalia.

SFO operates at the humanitarian development nexus, combining immediate emergency relief with longer-term resilience and development programming. For over a decade, SFO has been dedicated to supporting vulnerable families affected by poverty, conflict, displacement, and natural disasters, while also investing in sustainable development initiatives to break the cycle of dependence.

We believe that lasting change comes from empowering communities to participate actively in identifying their challenges and shaping the solutions that affect their lives.

Background

Somalia remains one of the world’s most fragile states, struggling with conflict, displacement, food insecurity, water shortages, disease outbreaks, and climate shocks such as droughts and floods. Vulnerable populations, especially children, women, youth, and persons with disabilities, face persistent challenges in accessing basic social services and livelihood opportunities.

SFO was established in response to these pressing humanitarian and development needs. Since 2012, the organization has delivered emergency relief, rehabilitation programs, and resilience-building interventions.

SFO’s presence extends across Southwest State, South-Central Somalia, Banadir, and Jubaland, where it has implemented numerous multi-sectoral projects in partnership with local communities, international NGOs, UN agencies, and government bodies.

General Objective

To contribute to poverty reduction, humanitarian relief, resilience building, and sustainable development by addressing the immediate needs and long-term aspirations of vulnerable communities in Somalia.

Specific Objectives

• To improve access to basic health services, nutrition, and clean water.
• To enhance food security and household livelihoods through agricultural and vocational support.
• To promote disability inclusion, equality, and protection of human rights.
• To build resilient communities capable of mitigating and adapting to shocks.
• To expand education and vocational training opportunities, especially for youth and women.
• To strengthen community participation and governance in development initiatives.

 Mission

To empower marginalized and crisis-affected communities to live with dignity, security, and opportunity by delivering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable humanitarian and development solutions.

Vision

A resilient, inclusive, and empowered Somali society where every individual has access to fundamental rights, services, and opportunities to thrive.

Scope of Work

SFO works across both emergency and development programming, focusing on:

• Humanitarian Relief: Life-saving interventions in health, food security, shelter, and WASH during crises.
• Resilience & Recovery: Support for livelihoods, vocational skills, education, and inclusive community development.
• Advocacy & Rights Promotion: Campaigning for disability inclusion, protection, and equal access to services.
• Capacity Building: Strengthening community institutions, civil society groups, and local governance structures.

Core Values

1. Humanity: Compassion and respect for human dignity guide all our actions.
2. Accountability: We ensure transparency to donors, communities, and stakeholders.
3. Inclusiveness: Equal opportunity for all, with a strong focus on disability inclusion.
4. Integrity: Adhering to the highest ethical and professional standards.
5. Sustainability: Building long-term community resilience rather than short-term dependency.
6. Collaboration: Partnerships at all levels to amplify impact.

Thematic Areas of Work

• Disability & Inclusion – Advocacy, accessibility support, assistive devices, and social integration.
• Food Security & Livelihoods – Agricultural development, cash/voucher assistance, skills training, and income generation.
• Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) – Access to clean water, sanitation facilities, hygiene promotion, and climate-resilient water systems.
• Health & Nutrition – Primary healthcare, maternal and child health, nutrition programs, and disease prevention.
• Human Rights & Protection – Advocacy for vulnerable populations, GBV prevention, child protection, and psychosocial support.
• Education & Training – Primary education support, vocational training, literacy, and teacher capacity building.
• Sustainable Energy Solutions – Promotion of renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and green livelihood options.
• Socio-Economic Services – Small enterprise support, financial inclusion, and community-driven recovery initiatives.