BACKGROUND
COMORAD was founded in Mogadishu, Somalia on September 1, 1995 as a non-governmental, non-profit making organization, dedicated to development issues in under-served and/or marginalized communities in Somalia.
From inception to date, COMORAD has grown from a modest outfit of a Director and five volunteer workers to a strong organization with a seven (7) member Board of Directors composed of respected and committed members of the community, fourteen (14) staff members and a growing pool of professional consultants and development practitioners in various fields.
COMORAD was founded at a time when Somalia was experiencing unprecedented turmoil and civil strife following the downfall of the government in 1991. The civil strife had resulted in wide displacement of communities, lack of basic services and loss of livelihoods. COMORAD was therefore engaged in interventions aimed at offering basic services e.g. food, water and shelter as well as encouraging affected communities to seek alternative livelihoods.
Working in collaboration with and support from international relief and development agencies e.g. FAO, UNDP, UN/OCHA, CIDA, DFID as well as the Somali Diaspora among others, COMORAD has been able to provide necessary support to affected communities, improve agriculture and food security, redevelop water sources, develop and/or rehabilitate productive infrastructure, promote skills development and income generation, and strengthen community empowerment.
MISSION STATEMENT
COMORAD is a local, non-governmental, non-political, non-profit making developmental organization dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life of the Somali people through appropriate community empowerment interventions that include awareness raising, advocacy and service delivery.
VISSION STATEMENT
To be recognized and respected as a local organization that has nurtured and continues to nurture a Somali community that is empowered, self reliant and capable of taking control of its destiny.
Core Values
i. Demonstrate integrity, transparency, and respect for community norms and culture in all our dealings
ii. Build relationships with all stakeholders through participation, cooperation, collaboration, teamwork and open, regular communication
iii. Create enthusiasm and positive impact through need-based interventions
iv. Abide by national and international laws and advocate for positive change