SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (SDS) Posted on September 24, 2010 at 00:26:16 AM by mb3
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (SDS)
Vision
SDS envisages a society where good governance, education, sustainable livelihood and gender based rights are overly enjoyed by the community of Somaliland.
Mission
SDS addresses primarily the issues of poverty elimination, promotion of good governance, peace, democracy, non-violent conflict, women's rights, climate change and education by providing awareness raising programs, capacity building and training the local communities. SDS aims at building a self-supportive community which values peace, love, and self-development.
This mission is pursued through:
* Research and publication on issued related to democracy, and good governance studies.
* The provision of training, policy change and networking with key public and civic institutions of democratic governance
* The education of the public about their rights and responsibilities under democratic and constitutional rule
* The promotion of peace-building and democratic conflict management in Somaliland.
* Increasing understanding and appreciation of strategic non-violence.
Background of the Organization
The SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES (SDS) was formed in 2002 by a group of intellectuals composed of both men and women to address the needs, fill the gaps and take a major role in the development of Somaliland society.
SDS has professional staff with experience and higher level of education, who properly implements its programmes. SDS has a good capacity in mobilization of local community and good collaboration with community elders, women’s organization, media and the government institutions. SDS has also a Board of Directors, consisting of seven members, both male and female.
Members of SDS have participated international Training Courses in Peace building, Good Governance, climate change, human rights, non-violent conflict, election observation and DDR. This has enhanced the capacity of our human resources. It has also empowered SDS personnel to deliver quality services to the targeted beneficiaries
Good Governance for Gabiley Municipality
SDS works to improve the good governance of Somaliland. We have recently conducted a capacity building project for the elected councillors and the local government employees of the Gabiley municipality. This is a good governance pioneer project funded by CARE International, which addresses the democracy and women’s rights advancement...
SDS implemented the project addressing the needs and problems faced by the Gabiley Municipality. The capacity of the elected councilors and the other staff of the local government are considerably improved and today Gabiley municipality provides good quality services to the local population, augmented the revenue of the region, and enhanced the roles and responsibilities of the different Stakeholders of the region. On the other hand, a number of policies were developed during the course of the project. These policies are now operational and readily available in each and every department of the municipality. The project consisted of trainings and workshops offered by highly experienced professionals. The project was highly successful and yielded excellent results so it will be copied to the other municipalities of Somaliland in the future.
Women Literacy project
The purpose of this project was to equip up to 50 women, including women with disabilities, with literacy skills so they can be equipped for poverty eradication and improved living standards within their households and the communities at large. This project also equipped the women with knowledge on various health issues so that they are better prepared for life, motherhood and family life, and give them the opportunity to read and to write for themselves and for their children.
SDS implemented this project without any funding from outside. The project therefore, provided basic literacy and health training for the women. This training took place in the local communities where the women were recruited and trained. Ministry of Education supported SDS by providing the classrooms where the project activities were undertaken. The project was very successful because as a result 48 women acquired basic literacy skills by learning how to write and read. The same number of women also gained vital knowledge and information related to health that will sure improve the quality of their lives.
The project brought about Social transformation as the women took up more active roles in their various households and the community in general.