Adeso

Causes: International, International Relief

Mission: Adeso works at the roots of African communities to create environments in which they can thrive. Our vision is of an African that is not dependent on aid, but on the resourcefulness and capabilities of its people.

Results: What started as a small non-governmental organization has grown to become an international NGO working in three countries: Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia. In 2003, we launched the largest unconditional cash transfer seen to date in Somalia, and emerged as leaders in a new field. More than 2000 young people have benefited from the Pastoral Youth Leadership education program - 80% of whom are girls. 150,000 nomadic people have been reached by Camel Caravans and more than 150 students have been involved. 626 km of roads in Somalia were cleared in a 2008 project - improving access to market and goods. 592,774 people have benefited from Adeso's cash transfer programs. 96,600 people are set to benefit from Adeso's cash transfer work in Kenya.

Target demographics: African communities who are yet to realize their full potential.

Direct beneficiaries per year: Approximately 500,000

Geographic areas served: Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia

Programs: Adeso is a humanitarian and development organization taht is changing the way people think about and deliver aid in Africa. We are a non-governmental organization in Africa working in a different way than most. We believe that development must come from within, not outside Africa communities. That it is African themselves who must determine Africa's future, and that while international aid has provided much-needed support, it often falls short of enabling lasting change at the grassroots level. We want to change this, and our strong bonds with communities mean we are uniquely placed to do so. For over 20 years, we have worked hand-in-hand with African communities to prevent, manage, and overcome situations that adversely affect their wellbeing - whether environmental, social, economic or otherwise. Regardless of where we work, our approach is the same: we help vulnerable communities through partnerships and shared decision-making. Our field teams hold regular community meetings, and find a way for every group to have a voice. This often means creating venues for women, and calls for dedication to capture the concerns and thoughts of local minorities. After all, long-term solutions can only be found when everyone has a voice, and a place in decision-making. It's not the easiest way, but in our experience it's the best. We do what's needed, where it's needed, working across four program areas: - Developing skills for life and work - Reinvigorating the economy - Providing humanitarian aid - Influencing policy We currently have programs in Kenya, South Sudan, and Somalia.