Aadamiga History

Aadamiga History

 Aadamiga Somalia is a Non-Profit Organization that was established in 1987 in Mogadishu, Somalia- It was established by women for women. The organization’s mission is to provide humanitarian and development assistance, as well as to promote a non-violent multicultural society. The first major projects undertaken by Aadamiga in 1987 was microfinance; crediting women with loans to expand their small businesses. The loans were used in diverse business activities such as agriculture, clothing sales, food sales. It was a huge success.

Since the civil war began in Somalia, the focus has largely been on aiding the population through the provision of basic services. In 1988, an influx of refugees from northern Somalia moved into Mogadishu, and consequently Aadamiga’s focus shifted to addressing the needs of the IDPs. Aadamiga assisted them with humanitarian relief, including food and clothing.These early projects were funded by OXFAM USA, NOVIB, CIDA, African Development Foundation, among other supporters. Our organization had such a successful track record that delegations, including Princess Anne of England, visited our headquarters in Mogadishu.

Aadamiga continued to operate until the civil war intensified in 1991, at which point the organization downsized dramatically. In 2001 Aadamiga re-established itself from a base in Northern Virginia, in the United States, attaining a 501(c)(3)  status. The NGO then began working with the Somali refugee community in Northern Virginia, conducting workshops and providing counseling and guidance for new refugees adapting to life in the US. The main issues addressed included domestic violence, mental health problems, and cultural orientation for service providers in the Washington DC area.

In late 2006, the situation in Somalia deteriorated rapidly when the nation was occupied by Ethiopian troops. Aadamiga’s leadership was contacted by Somali people calling for Aadamiga to take action and help the people that fled Mogadishu to the outskirts of Afgoye town.. Aadamiga has worked to provide water for internally displaced people in the make shift camps, a critically needed resource. The Aadamiga has also worked hard to raise awareness about the plight of the Somali people and the humanitarian catastrophe in the nation, organizing protests, and working to create community dialogue on the nation’s tragic condition

 

During the continuing accupation the Aadamiga has been fundraising for the internally displaced people in and around Mogadishu. In 2006, when Ethiopia invaded Somalia, thousands of people were forced to flee their homes due to the violence and random shelling. The displaced people were forced to create makeshift houses made of bushes and cloth. For the first six months Aadamiga helped to provide water to the IDP camps. Eventually the U.N. arrived and helped to relieve some of the water issues. After the Ethiopians left the UN brought African Peacekeepers which continued the random shelling of the civilians.

 

Since 2007, Aadamiga has raised almost $10,000 from Somali immigrants living in the Washington DC area, which was sent back to Somalia to help the IDP’s, which are mostly women and children. The need for assistance is still great, with education being of great importance. Also water well is desperately needed to support the water needs of the people. Also the people are in dire need of water resistant shelter like tents.

Because of the continuing civil war many people continue to be victims of violence, creating a bigger need for medical supplies. Aadamiga fund raised twice a year to assist the IDP’s that fled to the outskirts of Mogadishu. Aadamiga sent its assistance through HIINA Woment Group in Mogadishu to distribute the donation and make sure that it reaches the intended target which is the needy families. HINNA distributed some of the donation to hospitals in Mogadishu. The hospitals receiving the aid were Medina hospital, Kesaney hospital, and Dayniile hospital. We are planning to keep on fundraising and continue the assistance to the IDP’s in and around Mogadishu.

 

In 2010 Aadamiga build and administered a primary school in a small town called Arbow Yaroow, around 23 miles from Bulo Mareer, located in the Lower Shabeelle region of Somalia. Elders from Arbow Yaroow town contacted Aadamiga requesting assistance in building a school, mosque, hospital and a Water Well. The community donated roughly three hectares of land to Aadamiga to build upon. Aadamiga ran the school until the long 2011 famine devastated the Lower Shabelle region. Aadamiga is preparing to reopen the school in 2023.