Who We Are
DISCOVER MORE ABOUT US?
Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) is a registered local NGO in Somalia, established to respond to the growing humanitarian and development needs of vulnerable communities. Founded in 2010, SAF-UK has evolved from an international affiliation into a fully Somali-led and community-rooted organization, guided by principles of neutrality, transparency, and inclusiveness.
With a presence in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Galkacyo, SAF-UK serves communities across southern and central Somalia through long-term programs in health, nutrition, education, climate resilience, WASH, food security, and livelihoods.
Over the years, SAF-UK has built a strong reputation for trust, quality implementation, and partnership with UN agencies, government institutions, and local authorities. Our approach combines local knowledge with global standards — ensuring that every intervention is sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
We believe that Somali-led action is the key to lasting change. By empowering communities to participate in planning, implementation, and evaluation, SAF-UK promotes ownership and accountability that drive real, measurable results.
WHO WE ARE
Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) is a registered local NGO in Somalia, established to respond to the growing humanitarian and development needs of vulnerable communities. Founded in 2010, SAF-UK has evolved from an international affiliation into a fully Somali-led and community-rooted organization, guided by principles of neutrality, transparency, and inclusiveness.
With a presence in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Galkacyo, SAF-UK serves communities across southern and central Somalia through long-term programs in health, nutrition, education, climate resilience, WASH, food security, and livelihoods.
Over the years, SAF-UK has built a strong reputation for trust, quality implementation, and partnership with UN agencies, government institutions, and local authorities. Our approach combines local knowledge with global standards — ensuring that every intervention is sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.
We believe that Somali-led action is the key to lasting change. By empowering communities to participate in planning, implementation, and evaluation, SAF-UK promotes ownership and accountability that drive real, measurable results.
OUR HISTORY
Skills Active Forward (SAF-UK) was officially registered in 2018 as a non-governmental organization in Somalia, founded with the mission to address critical humanitarian and development challenges affecting vulnerable communities. In its early years, SAF-UK worked in collaboration with international partners to deliver life-saving programs in health, nutrition, WASH, education, and food security — particularly in the Mudug, Galgaduud, and Lower Juba regions. These programs helped strengthen community resilience and improve access to essential services in some of Somalia’s most fragile areas. Between 2018 and 2021, SAF-UK implemented numerous humanitarian projects funded by partners such as UN-OCHA, WFP, UNICEF, and WHO, earning recognition for its accountability, community engagement, and quality implementation. In 2022, SAF-UK underwent a major organizational transformation, officially transitioning from an internationally affiliated structure into a fully Somali-led and nationally registered NGO. This shift marked a significant milestone in our journey — symbolizing a firm commitment to localization, Somali ownership, and sustainable development driven by local expertise. Today, SAF-UK stands as a proud local NGO rooted in Somali communities, with active offices in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Baidoa, and Galkacyo. The organization continues to expand its impact through multi-sectoral programs focusing on health, livelihoods, climate resilience, gender equality, and education, while championing locally led humanitarian and development action.
As we continue to grow, SAF-UK remains guided by the principle that lasting change starts locally. We aim to strengthen Somali-led systems of resilience and development — empowering communities, creating livelihoods, and advancing sustainable peace across the country.
OUR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
WASH & HEALTH
Over 850,000 people gained access to safe drinking water through borehole rehabilitation, well construction, and hygiene promotion campaigns. Provided life-saving health and nutrition services to over 120,000 women and children, including immunization, maternal care, and treatment for malnutrition. Partnered with UNICEF and WHO to operate mobile health clinics reaching remote, drought-affected communities.
GENDER EQUALITY & PROTECTION
Established safe spaces for women and girls in displacement camps across Baidoa and Kismayo. Conducted gender-based violence prevention and awareness programs reaching over 10,000 participants. Partnered with UNFPA and UN Women to strengthen local women’s networks and advocacy platforms.
FOOD SECURITY & LIVELIHOODS
Supported 15,000 farmers and pastoralists with tools, seeds, and climate-smart agricultural training. Helped 3,000 women entrepreneurs and youth establish income-generating activities through vocational training and business grants. Implemented cash assistance programs with WFP benefiting more than 20,000 households in Bay, Bakool, and Lower Juba regions.
CLIMATE CHANGE & RESILIENCE
Implemented community-based adaptation projects including reforestation and soil conservation across Galgaduud and Mudug. Trained 2,500 community members in climate-smart agriculture and disaster preparedness.
EDUCATION & YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
Rehabilitated over 60 schools and provided learning materials for 25,000 students, including displaced children. Delivered vocational and leadership training to 1,800 youth, promoting employment and civic engagement.
A Somalia free from poverty, where every community thrives with dignity, equity, and opportunity.
To protect lives, promote self-reliance, and empower vulnerable populations through inclusive, locally driven humanitarian and development initiatives.
