The Puntland NGO Network (PUNTNGO) has successfully concluded a groundbreaking capacity-building and visibility support program for ten emerging local nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Puntland, Somalia. This initiative, aimed at enhancing the operational and programmatic capabilities of grassroots organizations, marks a significant step in empowering NGOs to deliver high-quality, sustainable services to their communities.
Strengthening Local NGOs
PUNTNGO’s program focused on supporting NGOs led by or working for women, minorities, and people with special needs. The initiative provided targeted training in information technology, operational management, and visibility enhancement, enabling these organizations to better achieve their missions.
The comprehensive support encompassed:
- Website Development and Hosting: Tailored websites were developed for each organization, complete with content creation, testing, and a one-year subscription for domain and hosting services. The organizations’ technical teams received training to ensure website maintenance.
- Custom Email and Cloud Storage: Each NGO was equipped with Google Workspace accounts, providing professional email addresses and 30GB of cloud storage. Subscriptions were covered for a year, and data migration was facilitated.
- Digital Tools Integration: NGOs were introduced to project management, virtual meeting, and community engagement applications, along with tools for surveys and online data collection.
- Enhanced Online Presence: The program helped refine organizational branding, improve social media profiles, and optimize search engine visibility, ensuring a stronger digital footprint.
- Digital Safety Training: Staff received training on digital security topics such as phishing, malware, and social engineering. Additional resources were made available through Bareedo Platform.
A Celebratory Event
On July 17, 2024, a culmination event was held at Taleh Hotel in Garowe in which celebrated the completion of this transformative program. The event was attended by representatives from the supported organizations, PUNTNGO officials, Puntland’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, Bareedo Platform, and other dignitaries.
The organizations supported by the capacity building program included:
- Somali Minority Women and Child Development Organization (SMWCDO)
- Autism Somalia Center
- Women Development Foundation (WDF)
- Humanitarian Relief and Development Council (HRDC)
- Midnimo Women Network (MWN)
- Women in Media Initiatives Somalia (WIMISOM)
- Puntland Women Lawyers Association (PUWLA)
- Somali Women Legal Advocacy (SOWLA)
- Somalia Humanitarian Action Aid and Development Organization (SHAADO)
- Social Environmental Development and Relief Organization (SEDRO)
Speakers at the event highlighted the program’s importance and called for its continuation. Mr. Mohamed Esse Dhaanto, Director of Aid Coordination at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, emphasized the need for ongoing capacity building: “The local organizations in Puntland lack significant capacity-building opportunities. Programs like this are essential to empower them in their work for the people of Puntland.”
PUNTNGO’s commitment to supporting emerging organizations was reinforced by its officials. “While budget constraints limited us to assisting 10 organizations, we plan to expand and reach more in the future. Capacity building is a strategic focus for PUNTNGO,” said Mr. Abdirahman Hassan.
Beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude. “PUNTNGO’s initiative filled a long-standing gap in support for local organizations,” said Mr. Mahad from Horn Development Initiatives (HDI). Similarly, Mrs. Farhia Bilig of SMWCDO noted the prioritization of minority-led organizations: “We appreciate PUNTNGO’s immediate action and prioritization of emerging organizations like ours.”
Lasting Outcomes
This capacity-building program has significantly improved the digital infrastructure and visibility of participating organizations, strengthened their operational frameworks, and enhanced staff capacity in digital safety and management. These achievements position the organizations to deliver more effective and sustainable services in Puntland, Somalia.
Looking Ahead
PUNTNGO plans to continue this capacity-building program and mobilize additional resources to support more local organizations across Puntland. By investing in grassroots organizations, PUNTNGO is fostering a stronger, more resilient civil society capable of driving positive change in the region.
