Refugee Camp in Hawa Abdi, Somalia
RAJO, meaning"hope" in Somali, is a non profit organization based in Sion (Switzerland) founded on February 10th 2010.
43% of the Somali population is under 15 years of age. RAJO is committed to promoting children's rights and education so that this younger generation can fulfil the promise of a better future.
All photographs taken by RAJO in Somalia and Switzerland
Iftiin school
our vision
To give the most vulnerable populations in central and southern Somalia the ability to sustain themselves and develop in conditions that respect human dignity, equality between men and women and inter-ethnic tolerance.
Literacy campaign
our mission
Our mission is to provide tools (means, training, etc.) that are needed to strengthen local skills through an approach centred on encouraging the ability of each community to act and run autonomously.
Literacy campaign 150km from Adado, Somalia
our goal
Our goal is to establish in Somalia the requirements for the following:
- Ensuring sustainable access to education and schooling for children (both boys and girls)
- Providing sustainable access to basic vocational training for adults, especially women
- Encouraging mobilisations, meetings and training aimed at strengthening social cohesion, promoting culture and public health
In addition, we provide emergency aid in Somalia. RAJO has much knowledge of Somalia and its culture. It is committed to raise the necessary funds to achieve its goals.
Official flag of the Federal Republic of Somalia
somalia
The Federal Republic of Somalia is a country located at the eastern end of the Horn of Africa. Almost all Somalis are Sunni Muslims and speak one of several Somali dialects. Between 1988 and 2017, the civil war in Somalia reportedly killed between 500,000 and 1 million people, according to the United Nations.
However, the majority did not die in combat, but repeated famines and hardship, including lack of medical care facilities. A large number of Somalis have fled the country, and there are many still wanting to leave: Exact figures for Somalis abroad are not known precisely, as the country is in such chaos. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that more than 6.2 million Somalis are currently in need of emergency humanitarian assistance, of which nearly three million are suffering from hunger.
(From left to right : Yassin Mohammadi, Stefanie Murray, Pierre Darbellay, Pauline Praplan, Mahamed Abdi, Séverine Debons)
(Missing from photo : Catherine Praplan, Zakia Osman-Abdi)
RAJO committee
President
Mahamed Abdi is the association’s president. He plans and carries out RAJO's projects in Switzerland and in Somalia and coordinates with all local Somali partners.
Communication and Vice president
Pauline Praplan is in charge of communication
events
Séverine Debons manages all of Rajo’s events
Catering service
Catherine Praplan is in charge of the catering service
Catering service
Zakia Osman-Abdi is head chef of the catering service
Finance
Yassin Mohammadi is the organisation's accountant
Visual communication
Stefanie Murray is in charge of all graphic design
other members
Juliane Rey-Bellet, secretary and socio-educational assistant
Roger Fontannaz, member of the committee, Director of the training centre « le Botza »
Jean Zermatten, President of the UN Children's rights committee, founding member of RAJO
Christophe Darbellay, member of the Swiss Federal Council, President of the Christian Democrat Party, member of RAJO
Vital Darbellay, ex member of the Swiss Federal Council, founding member of RAJO