Gannaane Organization (GA) is non-political and non-profit organization registered in Finland, Somalia and Kenya. The organization was found in 2002 by a group of Somali diaspora to contribute in finding suitable solutions for Somalia’s development challenges including prevention of extremism and violence; reduction of poverty and hunger; illiteracy and inequality; shortage of clean water and sanitation facilities; youth unemployment; impacts of climate change; injustice; insecurity; corruption and lack of institutional capacity. Gannaane is composed of a general assembly, a board of directors (BOD) and executive committee.

The general assembly being the paramount organ of the organization, constitutes representatives of the communities and meets every 18 months to elect the BOD. Gannaane has a group of highly motivated professionals who are committed to successfully implement the resolutions and decisions of the BOD.

Since its establishment, Gannaane has implemented projects in the areas of promotion of multiculturism in Finland; establishment and supporting of Secondary, Primary and Vocational schools in El-Adde, Somalia; environmental education in Gedo region of Somalia; education and employment opportunities for immigrant youth in Finland and youth service (sports) in Finland.

Our donors and main partners so far include Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland; Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland; city of Espoo in Finland and Viikki Tropical Resources Institute (VITRI) in Finland.

Somalia continues to face cyclical health challenges due to poor health infrastructure and a lack of a functioning health system. Communities across the south central regional zone face outbreaks of acute watery diarrhea, malaria, and other diseases as a consequence of unsafe water and poor sanitation.

Poor access to child health services such as immunization, screening, and treatment services, together with poor access to skilled birth attendance or emergency obstetric care, increases the risk of child and maternal morbidity and mortality, which is among the highest in the world in Somalia. Gannaane works to improve community health outcomes with a focus on addressing the preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in the communities we serve.

We utilize an integrated approach to complement the efforts of government departments, Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland and Diaspora community resources and technical support.

Community ownership and capacity are also at the forefront of our efforts to help improve health practices and detect and treat illnesses in an effective and timely manner. We also ensure that our approach is agile and flexible to meet changing needs and priorities. Our local NGO partners in Somalia include Agro-Pastoral Charity Organization (APCO), Action for Relief and Development (ARD), and Sahal Healthcare and Development Association (SAHDA).