AidTrends Afghanistan is an Afghan non-governmental and non-profitable humanitarian organization aptly supported by Afghan and International Aid workers, founded in 2012 The purpose is to serve people affected by on going conflict and poverty. AidTrends is an NGO whose mission is to “empower societies affected by poverty and conflict by providing access to technology, innovation, and information f
or the coordination of humanitarian aid and the development of sustainable markets under the principles of social and environmental justice.” It is an Afghan NGO founded in April 2012 by a group of Afghan and expatriate aid workers with the aim of promoting the Afghanistan's long-term recovery and development. These are: 1) “Sustainable Employment and Economic Development” (SEED); 2) Local Governance (LOGO); and 3) Research, Information & Sustainable Knowledge (RISK). SEED: Sustainable Employment and Economic Development (SEED) are paramount to combat poverty and ensure long-term prosperity. In response, AidTrends created the SEED initiative to build the capacity of local entrepreneurs and support their businesses with technical and financial assistance to nurture the growth of their SMEs. SEED uses technology and innovation to link local entrepreneurs with regional, national, and international markets to ensure a long-lasting impact in the communities it serves. Projects implemented under the SEED initiative include the “Small Business Management Training & Sustainability” Phases I & II. AidTrends partnered with USAID's Afghanistan Civilian Assistance Program II (IRD-ACAP-II) to provide support to families who have been affected by ongoing military operations. AidTrends built the business capacity of seven hundred and fifteen (715) Afghan entrepreneurs to promote self-employment and sustainable livelihoods. Thus, it is necessary that laws and customs are acceptable to, and inclusive of, all ethnic, political, and interest groups. Under the perspective of constituents, authorities are responsible for laying down the mechanisms that nurture the democratic aspirations of its citizens and promote sustainable livelihoods. In response, AidTrends created the Local Governance (LOGO) initiative to support local authorities, and build institutions that are inclusive and community driven. The goal is to ensure that these are responsive and in line with the current and future desires of their constituents. LOGO places a special emphasis on the creation of governance institutions that are accountable, inclusive democratic and enables economic growth. LOGO enhances local processes that foster peace, the rule of law, and empower people to overcome under-development in a sustainable way. Projects implemented under the LOGO initiative include: 1) “Conflict Resolution Training in Musa Qala and Sanging Districts” where AidTrends improved access to justice by building the capacity of community leaders in customary justice practices; 2) “Waste Assessment in Sarobi District” where AidTrends assessed the level waste produced in the district and provided recommendations for the development of an improved waste collection system; and 3) “Advocacy Campaign for Peaceful Elections in Khost and Helmand Provinces” where AidTrends promoted citizens' peaceful participation in the recent 2014 Afghan presidential election. Health: Newly recruited staff has envisioned AidTrends to take up health projects and successfully excel in by virtue of its strong organizational background in humanitarian aid throughout the years. RISK: Knowledge is the cornerstone behind innovation, market sustainability, and the efficient coordination of humanitarian aid. In fact, most market failures and duplication of efforts in funding allocation occur due to asymmetric information. In response, AidTrends developed the Research, Information, and Sustainable Knowledge (RISK) initiative to capture and disseminate the data that is critical for the development of markets. AidTrends conducts research, and delivers information to relevant stakeholders to nurture economic growth and improve the coordination of humanitarian aid. Under RISK initiative AidTrends conducted SWOT Analysis of Disability Sector to find out the I) What are the challenges that the people with disability are facing? II) What was the support available from the Afghanistan Government and the International Community? III) What can be done to increase to increase their participation in the local community? IV) What kind of support do they need for self-reliance?
