Aridlife Development Agency is pleased to announce a major milestone for child protection in Somalia. We wish to announce the launch of a new five-year initiative aimed at safeguarding children at risk of losing parental care. The project, funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), and will be jointly implemented by Aridlife and SOS Children’s Villages Somalia in collaboration with local partners and communities.

The program will focus on Afgoye, Jowhar and Balcad Districts, covering 15 community units, and directly benefiting 1000 caregivers and children. It will also engage Community-Based Child Protection Networks (CBCPNs), local authorities and local civil society organizations (CSOs), reinforcing Somalia’s child protection ecosystem.

 “This partnership is a strong commitment to protecting children at risk and ensuring that families remain the first and best place for a child to grow up. By empowering communities and local organizations, we are investing in long-term, sustainable child protection systems” said Abdullahi Mohamed, Executive Director of Aridlife, during launch of the project at Mogadishu Hotel on July 15, 2025.

This initiative underscores the importance of locally-led development approaches in Somalia, aligning with global commitments to strengthen child protection systems in fragile states. Aridlife will specifically implement actives in two district: Afgoe and Balcad, while SOS implement similar activities in Jowhar District.