Mohamed Nor Ibrahim, 28, founded the Kalkal Human Rights Development Organization (KAHRDO) in 2014 in Baidoa, Southwest State, Somalia, with a mission to address pressing community challenges, advocate for human rights, and amplify grassroots voices. In its early years, KAHRDO faced significant obstacles: limited technical capacity, scarce operational resources, and gaps in knowledge across critical areas such as climate change, child protection, and women’s empowerment. Organizational policies on financial management and human resources were also lacking, which constrained the organization’s ability to effectively serve the community.
A turning point arrived in 2022 when GREDO, in partnership with Save the Children Somalia, launched the DANIDA Lot-CIV and Lot-HUM Project, a multi-year initiative running through 2025. Designed to empower youth, strengthen local CSOs, and foster community resilience, the project offered KAHRDO an opportunity to address foundational gaps and enhance its operational effectiveness. Following a comprehensive capacity assessment, KAHRDO was selected as one of the top 10 CSOs in Baidoa to participate in targeted capacity-building workshops. These sessions equipped the organization with skills in child rights, accountability, gender equity, climate change advocacy, and policy development. In addition, KAHRDO received guidance on resource mobilization, networking, and accessing funding opportunities like the Bulsho Fund.
Mohamed Nor Ibrahim with some of his team at the KAHRDO office in Baidoa.
The impact of this support has been transformative. KAHRDO successfully managed small grants from NGOs, demonstrating credibility and capacity. A notable achievement was the implementation of a $2,500 grant from GREDO for the activity “Child Rights Collection, Advocacy, and Influencing Capacity Building,” which engaged 30 participants, including local officials and CSO representatives. Further recognition came when KAHRDO secured $5,000 in flexible funding under the DANIDA Lot-CIV and Lot-HUM projects, awarded to the top two organizations among the 10 selected. This funding enabled KAHRDO to expand activities, strengthen advocacy, and improve operational systems.
Mohamed Nor Ibrahim, founder and executive director of KAHRDO.
Reflecting on KAHRDO’s journey, Mohamed Nor Ibrahim shared:
“KAHRDO was born out of a deep desire to address the pressing challenges our communities faced and amplify the voices of the most vulnerable. In our early years, we struggled with limited resources and capacity, but our determination to serve the community never wavered. The DANIDA Lot Project was a turning point for us; it bridged critical gaps and gave us the tools to grow into a credible and impactful organization.”
Through the training, resources, and competitive grant support provided by GREDO and Save the Children, KAHRDO transitioned from surviving as an organization to thriving as a voice for grassroots needs. Mohamed added:
“Receiving the $2,500 grant for child rights advocacy marked a pivotal moment for KAHRDO, showcasing our ability to lead and implement impactful projects. The $5,000 flexible funding we secured reinforced our capacity to expand our work and solidify our role as a strong advocate for the community. Our journey proves that with the right support and collaboration, local organizations can drive meaningful change and create a lasting impact.”
The DANIDA Lot Project has strengthened not only KAHRDO but also the wider humanitarian landscape in Baidoa. Youth and communities are now better equipped to tackle critical issues such as child protection, climate change, and gender equality. KAHRDO’s evolution underscores the importance of sustained capacity-building initiatives and investment in local actors to foster resilience, advocacy, and social change.