Informaton About GAVO

Organizational Profile

Introduction

GAVO is an acronym for General Assistance and volunteer organization, which is youth based non governmental, non-profit humanitarian organization based in Berbera, Hargeisa and Burao, it was founded in 1993 following long period of social strife and political instability in Somaliland. It has a membership of both young men and women the organization has enabled team of young volunteers with a strong popular base.

These young volunteers could not watch the plight of the mentally ill and children in difficult circumstances that were marginalized and were forgotten in the streets of Somaliland’s big towns, including Berbera, Hargeisa, Burao, and Borama. As a result, GAVO was formed to improve the conditions of these vulnerable groups by first helping the mental handicapped. GAVO’s activities are concentrated on two of the most vulnerable segments of the society, the mentally handicapped and the street children. The positive impact of this organization is widely felt and its highly appreciated within its own community.

The goal of the organization is to facilitate youth-both male and female on an equal basis, beyond clan division in voluntary development activities aimed at improving the quality of life of the community.

Vision

"Our vision is to alleviate stress, poverty and avoidable suffering through out Somaliland"

Mission

GAVO, the general Assistance and volunteers organization, was founded on February 27, 1993, to work with the community and advocate on its behalf especially the mentally ills, disadvantaged children and victims of emergencies as well as to participate in rehabilitation programs.

Philosophy

GAVO believes that all people deserve equality and should find it an obligation to volunteer in the service to humanity

Legal Status

GAVO is registered with the national Supreme Court, regional court, and ministry of planning

Geographical status

GAVO is national organization that is currently working in Hargeisa, Berbera, Burao and Borama and soon will start working the rest of Somaliland regions in the near future

Objectives

• Improve the conditions of the mentally handicapped people through mental health initiatives
• Support children in difficult circumstance and promote youth employment through trainings
• Advocate gender equity and women empower to articulate their problems and get them solved.
• Promote healthier environment and raise community’s awareness on the HIV and AIDS
• Reinforce good governance, which entitles to the voiceless to express their issues.