About About
OARDS
BACKGROUND & INTRODUCTION
The
Organization of Angels Rescue Development and Social (OARDS) is a non-governmental,
nonprofit, and nonpolitical women-led organization. It was founded and
registered on April 18, 2021, with the Ministry of Economy. OARDS is dedicated
to improving the situation of women in Afghanistan, guided by a vision of
“OARDS envisions a society that is socially and economically self-reliant,
where basic human rights and dignity are respected.” This vision is pursued by
enhancing access to quality, safe, and free education, improving health
conditions, providing embroidery and sewing opportunities for widows and
vocational women, increasing awareness of hygiene and sanitation, and
advocating for the rights of women and children. OARDS mobilizes people's
efforts and engages them in the local and national level planning and
decision-making processes, including those related to peace, stability, and
development.
OARDS
aspires to a world of compassion, tolerance, and social justice, where poverty
is overcome, and everyone lives with respect, dignity, and security. It aims to
be a social force nationally and a preferred partner globally within a movement
dedicated to ending poverty. Since its establishment, OARDS has been tirelessly
working for the social and political participation of women and youth through
focused areas, aiming to amplify the voices of women and meet the needs of
communities.
OARDS
was formed in response to the community's willingness to address prevailing
socio-economic issues in various villages. It was established with the
intention of fostering mutual understanding among community members,
facilitating the sharing of their respective challenges, and collectively
finding the most effective solutions through open discussions and active
participation in decision-making processes. These efforts are unified under the
umbrella of the OARDS Organization.
OARDS is committed to assisting needy and
neglected individuals at the grassroots level, ensuring they have access to
sustainable living within society with dignity. Our efforts focus on empowering
women in Afghan communities by offering opportunities for access to justice,
education, and healthcare. This is achieved through various means, including
education, capacity building, livelihood support, agricultural initiatives,
social services, and family welfare interventions.
OARDS has established strong relationships
with communities through its community-based approach, garnering special
acceptance and trust among them. Through its exemplary service delivery, the
organization has built an excellent reputation among donor organizations,
partner organizations, government officials, and other stakeholders.
OARDS has the capability to implement
numerous small and large humanitarian and development projects across various
sectors in different regions of the country. These projects have greatly
contributed to improving the living conditions of hundreds of thousands of
needy people.
MISSION
OARDS is
undertaking to foster a democratic and equitable living environment where all
vulnerable people, especially the underprivileged, women, and children in
Afghanistan and neighboring countries, are enabled to access justice,
education, health, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and essential
infrastructure services irrespective of their economic and social status. Additionally,
OARDS advocates for peacebuilding and community security by providing free
legal aid services in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to reduce all
kinds of violence in Afghanistan.
VISSION
OARDS envisions a society that is
socially and economically self-reliant, where basic human rights and human
dignity are respected. OARDS aims to be a premier organization that foresees
the creation of a society where women are actively involved, with equal access
to resources, and where advocacy and policy influence their own betterment,
their families, and their communities.
SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
•
Promote gender equality and women's
empowerment, and address gender-based violence issues.
•
Increase women's
and girls' access to literacy and accelerate learning programs to prepare them
for higher education.
OARDS CORE VALUES
Organization of
Angels Rescue Development and Social (OARDS) encourages the following values to
be practiced both at individual and organizational levels:
•
Transparency
•
Accountability
•
Equity/Justice and
Equality
•
Reliability/Trust
•
Volunteering and
Solidarity
•
Incorporation of
Islamic teachings and positive Afghan traditions
•
Respect for
national/spiritual values
•
Responsibility
Consciousness
•
Commitment
OARDS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE/HIERARCHY
A. Board
of Directors/Governing Body
General
Statement
A five-member committee/board of directors (BoD) governs the main
functions of OARDS. Together, they make decisions and advise on the strategies
to be implemented by the organization. The board of directors conducts regular
monthly, quarterly, and annual meetings with senior management staff for
discussions and evaluations of the organization's policies and procedures
B.
Organizational Chart
OARDS has both permanent and project-based staff. At least, OARDS
maintains 3 permanent staff. Other staff are recruited based on the life cycles
of projects. The following organizational chart illustrates the hierarchy and
chain of command in OARDS.
OARDS GOALS
•
Overall socio-economic development of
underprivileged people, especially women, youths, and children.
•
Strengthening and
developing the living standards of vulnerable communities in Afghanistan
through community mobilization, capacity building, and women's economic
empowerment.
•
Protecting human
rights.
•
Facilitating access
to justice.
•
Providing
psycho-social support for survivors.
•
Empowering women
and young girls with education to reduce the illiteracy rate in the community.
•
Assisting women in
setting up income-generating activities.
•
Counseling and
supporting victims of human rights violations.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES:
•
Utilization of
local wisdom and resources.
•
Encouragement of
innovation and creativity.
•
Prioritizing
quality.
•
Enhancing
coordination and networking.
•
Accepting
challenges.
OUR STRENGTHS:
•
Making
coordination with the local community and different entities.
•
Developing
women and youth networking at the national and local levels.
•
Inclusive
approach.
•
Knowledge
of the context.
•
Qualified
and experienced team.
ISSUE
OF INTEREST:
OARDS
has long-term intentions to promote the aims and purposes of the organization
among various national and international NGOs, UN agencies, and other potential
donors at the national level across eight regions of the country. OARDS intends
to play a good office role with all entities in close coordination with Civil
Society Organizations (CSOs), community tribal elders, and local entrepreneurs
at the national level.
OARDS
is actively working for the social development of rural and tribal communities,
focusing on child rights, education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene),
food nutrition and health, sustainable livelihood, and disaster management. It
collaborates with like-minded organizations in different provinces of
Afghanistan to promote the social development of poor communities for their
better future. OARDS focuses on education, water sanitation and hygiene, food
nutrition and health, and women's economic development through sustainable
livelihood, aiming to protect their human rights.
OVERALL
WORKING AREAS:
1.
Education
and Capacity Building Programs
2.
Human
Rights Promotion
3.
Combating
all forms of violence
4.
Livelihood
and Agriculture Programs
5.
Social
Services, Healthcare, and Family Welfare
6.
Women's
Rights Advocacy and Access to Equal Opportunities for Women
7.
Human
Rights and Access to Equal Opportunities for Women