SAACID is an indigenous Somali, not-for-profit, non-religious, non-political, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded and directed by Somali women, that focuses on practical measures to enhance the life-options of women, children and the poor. SAACID mission is to help women ,children and the poor reach their full human potential.

SAACID (say-eed - Somali, meaning 'to help') is an indigenous Somali, not-for-profit, non-religious, non-political, Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded and directed by Somali women, that focuses on practical measures to enhance the life-options of women, children and the poor.

Our key theatre of operations is exclusively confined to Somalia. Originally founded in Somalia in October 1990, SAACID reorganised its operations in 2001 to gain better donor recognition and expand its capacity to provide better delivery into the Somali context. SAACID is now fully registered in Australia, Somalia and the US. The three sister organisations work closely together to provide a range of services and programmes for women, children and the poor within Somalia.

SAACID has earned a reputation among their local and international partners for the highest quality work - for accountability, sustainability, responsibility and sensitivity. This organisation is highly respected, and as a result, is able to achieve success where no other organisation can. SAACID has extensive experience in key sectors; and has built up widespread networks and trust within local communities. These relations being a prerequisite for successful intervention, development and relief work in the current context of Somalia.

SAACID envisions all developing countries as contexts in which all people can reach their full human potential. Where there is equitable access to food, shelter, health care, education, property rights and law and order. A country committed to peace, democracy, human rights and justice for all.

In fulfillment of SAACID's mission and vision, SAACID's programming is focused in the areas of:

CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION AND GOVERNANCE: The key to allowing Somali women, children and the poor to develop their full human potential in a country that has not had any effective stability, security or governance for more than nineteen years is the modification of behaviour that relies on violence.

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT: Traditionally Somali women have had little say in the development of themselves, their children, their families, their communities, or their country.

HEALTH AND WASH: SAACID runs 1 hospital, TB clinics, healthcare centres, health posts, nutritional centres and WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) activities.

EDUCATION: SAACID runs primary, secondary and vocation training schools for local communities. SAACID also runs the only women's teacher's institute in Mogadishu (2-year course).

EMERGENCY RELIEF: Since 1991 SAACID has provided ongoing emergency programming relief to local Somali communities. The development and diversification of sustainable food sources for the poor is a vital first step in allowing them achieve a better life for themselves and their children.

LIVELIHOODS AND DEVELOPMENT: An essential component to move from systemic anarchy and violence is the provision of genuine employment and training opportunities that will lead to employment that can sustain families. Opportunity and hope are a key prerequisite to stabiity; and stability is a core prerequisite to sustainable development.

SAACID continues to develop an active RESEARCH sector, which collects data on the needs of the Somali population and tracks the impact of SAACID programmes on the lives of those SAACID serves. SAACID also partners international research companies in developing data and information, which informs donor policy for Somalia.