Solidarity Group of Jubbaland (SGJ), a national non-governmental, non-profit making, non-political, was established in June 2009 in Dhobley, Lower Jubba region, Somalia by a group of concerned intellectuals, educationists and women activists who are committed and decided to contribute to finding solutions to the complexity of the problems faced by the needy and vulnerable Somali communities affected in the civil conflicts, diseases, successive droughts and famine.
Through successive meetings held, the founders agreed that the establishment of SGJ organisation as the most appropriate way to contribute to the already existing local and international wider efforts aimed to bring peace and reconstruct Somalia.
The purpose of SGJ is to respond to the plights and needs of the most vulnerable communities in both rural and urban areas in Somalia by applying a holistic approach that combines the social economic development and ecological issues at both the national and grass-root levels in collaboration with the cross section of the local communities, state and local authorities, international agencies, donors, well-wishers around the world and Somali diaspora communities.
SGJ’ community economic development program strategies aims only to strengthen the existing and on-going international communities, Somalia governments and local communities stabilisation and reconstruction strategic program interventions. It conforms to the laid down international and local program policies, strategies and plans. Utilising local knowledge and experiences by its members, SGJ applies comprehensive strategies and programs according to its capacity to deliver and respond to the most needy areas within Somalia regions and districts.
SGJ acknowledges that in order to succeed it must have the community support and international assistance to achieve its intended mission and specific objectives, the organisation applies participatory strategic planning and community mobilization interventions that help to create and nurture grassroots ownership and sustainability.
SGJ is legally registered under the ministry of interim and National Security of Somalia Federal Goverment and regional Administrations in Jubbaland State of Somalia which has its headquarters in Kismayo.
Values
SGJ is guided by the following values:
• Integrity
Unwavering commitment in promoting the dignity of Somalia communities based on principles of human rights, social justice, democrats, capacity building and the development.
• Innovation
Encouraging the exploration of new ideas and developing workable approaches to benefit Somalia communities.
• Effectiveness and responsiveness
Using resources in a considered, appropriate and transparent manner for maximum and timely benefit.
3. Principles
• Use a participatory strategy
A participatory strategy means involving the participants and the community in the organisation, starting from when it defines its objectives and ideas all the way through to programme implementation and evaluation
• Be transparent and accountable
The organisation is transparent to staff, members, communities and funding agencies, in both financial and programmatic senses
• Build partnerships and trust through:
o Cooperation.
o Impact. P
o Participation.
Vision
SGJ vision is to see peaceful and prosperous Somali communities living in peace and harmony with respect of the ideals of the rule of law, peace, human rights and democracy
5. Mission
To contribute to the promotion of sustainable social economic development and ecological preservation through building the livelihoods capacities of the poor and most vulnerable communities in Somalia
6. Specific Objectives
SGJ work to ensure the accomplishment of the following specific objectives in order to realize its mission:
• Promote the reduction of poverty among the poorest and most vulnerable communities especially the IDP population in Somalia.
• Promote the increase of access to services for those who have experienced fundamental human rights violations
• Strengthen the capacity of poor communities to reduce vulnerabilities and increase protection
• Improving ,Strengthening and enhancing existing peace structures through effective peace Capacity building
• Providing Technical Trainings for the existing Traditional and community based peace structures in Jubba region both lower and middle jubba regions
• Promote the availability of better social services including; education, health, of targeted diseases within the poor and displaced communities.
• Enhance the increase of access to sustainable water and sanitation services to reach the most vulnerable people within the communities
• Empower vulnerable groups (youth, women and minority groups) through provision of vocational training and life skills and increase their access to opportunities
• Increase awareness among target population and support in connection with environmental preservation issues within the locals
• Empower locals in management organizations and communities
Approaches
For SGJ Community development is the planned evolution of all aspects of community well-being (economic, social, environmental and cultural). It is a process whereby community members come together to take collective action and generate solutions to common problems. The SGJ scope of community development can vary from small initiatives within a small group, to large initiatives that involve the whole community. Regardless of the scope of the activity, effective SGJ community development would be:
• a long-term endeavor,
• well planned,
• inclusive and equitable,
• holistic and integrated into the bigger picture,
• initiated and supported by community members,
• of benefit to the community, and
• Grounded in experience that leads to best practice.
SGJ community development approach will work only if community members see it as a legitimate process within existing activities and priorities, the approach will:
• be valued by the community,
• involve community members,
• have credible leadership, and
• produce results that suit the community.
8. Strategic program Interventions
SGJ designs and implement more effective livelihood programs—programs that are based on market demand and are contextually appropriate; programs that build on the existing skills and experience within the target population; and programs that enhance the dignity and options for the poor and the displaced.
In this era of growing food and economic insecurity, it is imperative that we begin to rethink the role of humanitarian assistance and shift away from handouts and enforced dependency. Humanitarian assistance must be about restoring lives, supporting families and rebuilding communities. It must be about restoring
dignity. It must be about creating opportunities and preparing the displaced for their future lives in their countries and regions of origin, or wherever they may find a long-term living solution.