Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) is a local Somali NGO dedicated to improving lives and building resilience through humanitarian assistance, development programs, and community empowerment.
We work hand in hand with communities, government institutions, and development partners to design and implement locally led, inclusive, and sustainable solutions that address the root causes of poverty, vulnerability, and inequality.
Our programs focus on six key sectors that reflect our long-term commitment to sustainable change and community development across Somalia.
Key Program Sectors
Food Security & Livelihoods
We support households to recover, rebuild, and sustain their livelihoods. SAF-UK works with farmers, herders, and small business owners to strengthen food production, market access, and income generation. Our activities include: Distribution of agricultural inputs and training in climate-smart farming. Support to small-scale livestock and fisheries enterprises. Vocational skills and entrepreneurship training for youth and women.
Education & Youth Empowerment
We believe education is the foundation of long-term peace and prosperity. SAF-UK supports access to inclusive, quality education for children and youth in both rural and urban settings. Our interventions include: Rehabilitation and construction of schools. Teacher training and provision of learning materials. Youth mentorship, vocational training, and leadership development.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Access to clean water and safe sanitation is a fundamental human right. SAF-UK implements WASH programs that improve community health, reduce disease outbreaks, and strengthen resilience to drought. We focus on: Construction and rehabilitation of boreholes and shallow wells. Promotion of hygiene awareness and safe sanitation practices. Integration of WASH in schools, health centres, and IDP settlements.
Climate Change Adaptation & Environmental Protection
Somalia faces increasing climate-related risks, including droughts, floods, and desertification. SAF-UK integrates climate action across all its programs to promote resilience and environmental sustainability. Our work focuses on: Climate-smart agriculture and water management. Environmental conservation and tree planting campaigns. Community awareness on disaster risk reduction and adaptation.
Health & Nutrition
SAF-UK partners with UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health to deliver essential health and nutrition services for mothers, children, and vulnerable populations. We aim to reduce preventable diseases and improve maternal and child health through: Mobile health and nutrition clinics in hard-to-reach areas. Immunization campaigns and nutrition screening. Capacity building for community health workers.
Gender Equality & Protection
SAF-UK is a women-led organization committed to promoting gender equity and protecting the rights of women and girls. We strengthen the capacity of local women’s organizations, prevent gender-based violence, and advocate for inclusive participation in leadership and decision-making. Our protection programs offer: Safe spaces and psychosocial support for women and girls. Training on gender rights, GBV prevention, and legal awareness. Economic empowerment initiatives for women and female-headed households.
Voices of the Community
“Before the mobile clinic arrived, we walked miles for treatment. Now, our children receive care in our own village.”
“SAF-UK helped us rebuild our livelihoods after the drought. We learned how to farm using less water and earn income from small businesses.”
