HIRO Profile

About HIRO: Herawie Initiative and Relief Organization (HIRO) is a non-profit, non-political NGO registered with the Ministry of Economy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Established in 2018, originally under the name CYCLE Organization, HIRO is committed to improving the living conditions of Afghan society with a focus on women empowerment, education, health, agriculture, and social activities. Our organization operates with a vision of honesty, hard work, and dedication to promoting the lives of girls and women in Afghanistan.

History and Achievements: The Herawie Initiative and Relief Organization (HIRO) has a rich history and extensive achievements, demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of women and girls in Afghanistan. Established in 2018 under the original name CYCLE Organization and led by Frishta Herawie, HIRO has consistently focused on education, health, agriculture, and social activities. The organization re-registered under its current name in 2022, further solidifying its mission and expanding its impact.

2018:

• HIRO began its journey as CYCLE Organization, conducting several awareness programs and workshops for school and university girls. These programs, fully funded by the organization's founders, aimed to empower young women with knowledge and skills.
• Awareness programs were raised for health and women rights topics which was organized by local donors and provided to public in several governmental and non-governmental institutes.

2020:

• In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, HIRO organized awareness-raising trainings and internet campaigns to educate the public on preventive measures. The organization also distributed hygienic supplies to underprivileged residents of Kabul, showcasing its adaptability and commitment to public health.
• Many more small projects by local donors were implemented by the organization.

2021:

• The collapse of the Afghan government presented significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, HIRO secured moral support and a $5,000 cash grant from UAF A&F (Grant ID No: A3025-G1868), enabling the organization to support needy families and its staff during this critical period. Most of the locals that were affected by this change were helped through this program remotely.
• Many more small projects by local donors were implemented by the organization.

2022:

• HIRO officially renewed its license with the Ministry of Economy under its current name and license number 5681 since the start of new regime as most of documents were destroyed. The organization continued its efforts to empower displaced women, including conducting fully funded tailoring courses and other initiatives to enhance their livelihoods.
• Many more small projects by local donors were implemented by the organization.

2023:

• HIRO provided several charitable donations to women in need, including direct support to individuals like Ms. Farzana and assistance to employees facing economic challenges. The organization demonstrated its dedication to supporting the community in times of need. Success stories of mentioned is further mentioned in the document for reference.
• Organization once again tried to become fully functional under the new policy of the IEA and with all of the government rules that was introduced.

Traditional Medicine Classes:

• The organization conducted two different classes of traditional medicine classes, with many participants graduating and receiving certificates. Graduation ceremonies celebrated the achievements of the participants.
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2024:

1. Tailoring Course (Jan 2024 - Mar 2024):
• The organization conducted two different classes of traditional medicine classes, with many participants graduating and receiving certificates. Graduation ceremonies celebrated the achievements of the participants.
• The course helped 20 affected women and 3 trainers were appointed by the organization for them. The program also had launch meal and refreshment for the participants.
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2. UN Women Funding (Jan 2024 - Aug 2024):
• HIRO secured $15,000 in core funding from UN Women for the first phase of the Re-Building the Women’s Movement project, furthering its mission to empower women.
• Through this opportunity gratitude to UN Women, the organization had once again gained popularity and its place and reached this position.
3. Traditional Medicine Classes (2024):
• The organization conducted another round of two different classes of traditional medicine classes, with many participants graduating and receiving certificates. Graduation ceremonies celebrated the achievements of the participants.
4. UN Women Handicraft Project (2024 - Ongoing):
• HIRO is currently in the second phase of a UN Women project, which includes $45,000 in funding for core support and the Handicraft Project for women. This project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
• HIRO is working on internal project for health sector. An OPD clinic is already fully functional to provide free diagnosis with basic medicine. HIRO is also providing First Aid to a certain degree.
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• HIRO has also established a tailoring company under the name of Herawie Brand, as a small company. The goal of the company is to thrive and one day be the source of income for HIRO Organization.
• HIRO is also working in Arts and Handicraft section; this work is intended to support those working in this field and also it is here so that women can learn and be capable to make these themselves and have their own work be a small business for themselves.

Mission:

Our mission is to empower Afghan communities through quality education, sustainable development programs, and gender equality initiatives.

Vision:

Our vision is to enhance the standard of living and promote human coexistence in Afghanistan, with a focus on improving the lives of women and girls. We aim to create a prosperous and united Afghanistan, where all individuals have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Core Values:

1. Integrity: We maintain trust in the communities we serve and partners through responsible and ethical behavior, ensuring that all resources and efforts are used effectively to achieve our mission of providing relief and support.
2. Gender Equality: We promote fairness and equal opportunities for people of all genders, believing that gender equality is essential for achieving our mission.
3. Accountability: We are accountable for our actions and decisions and are willing to accept the consequences.
4. Diversity: We work to create a positive and inclusive organizational culture to better understand and serve our clients, partners, co-workers, donors, and funders.
5. Honesty: Upholding integrity in all our actions and interactions.
6. Hard Work: Dedicating ourselves to making a positive impact in the community.
7. Dedication: Committing to the promotion and protection of the rights and well-being of girls and women.

Key Focus Areas:

• Education: Providing quality education and capacity-building programs for sustainable development.
• Health: Ensuring access to healthcare services and promoting public health awareness.
• Agriculture: Supporting agricultural initiatives to enhance food security and livelihoods.
• Social Activities: Fostering social cohesion and community engagement through various programs.

Objectives:

1. Empower Afghan communities by providing quality education: Implement comprehensive educational programs that equip individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive. This includes establishing schools, offering scholarships, and conducting vocational training courses to enhance literacy and employability. Special emphasis will be placed on creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for women and girls, ensuring they have equal access to educational opportunities.
2. Promote sustainable development programs: Develop and support initiatives that foster economic growth and environmental sustainability within Afghan communities. This includes projects in agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development that create jobs, improve living conditions, and protect natural resources. By encouraging local entrepreneurship and innovation, we aim to build self-sufficient communities that can sustainably manage their resources and economic activities.
3. Foster gender equality, focusing on improving the lives of women and girls: Advocate for policies and practices that promote gender equality and empower women and girls to reach their full potential. This involves providing access to healthcare, legal support, and safe spaces for women to gather and share their experiences. We will also run awareness campaigns and training programs to challenge societal norms and reduce gender-based violence. Our goal is to create a society where women and girls have the same rights, opportunities, and protections as their male counterparts.
4. Enhance community involvement and ownership: Ensure that local communities are actively involved in the planning and implementation of projects to address their needs and perspectives. Foster a sense of ownership and sustainability by engaging community members in decision-making processes.
5. Build partnerships and collaboration: Establish strong partnerships with other NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations to leverage resources, expertise, and networks. Collaboration will enable us to achieve greater impact and address complex challenges more effectively.
6. Monitor and evaluate program impact: Implement robust monitoring and evaluation processes to assess the effectiveness of our programs. Regularly collect and analyze data to ensure continuous improvement and accountability. Use findings to make informed decisions and enhance program outcomes.

Ongoing Initiatives:

Our organization has proudly established an Outpatient Department (OPD) section for both employees and beneficiaries. Additionally, there is a public component that allows anyone to benefit from our services upon taking membership, which is free of charge. Our membership enables us to provide essential services to the community.

OPD Clinic Services

Our OPD clinic offers a range of services, including but not limited to:

1. First Aid Support: We have two first aid boxes and a comprehensive set of tools required for first aid.
2. OPD Diagnosis of Patients: Patients are diagnosed by our physician and provided basic medicine from our organization’s budget.
3. Psychiatric Support: We provide psychiatric treatment for various conditions through a professional psychiatrist with extensive experience in the field.
4. Psychology Support: Offering psychological support to employees and beneficiaries free of charge, utilizing modern tactics such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies.
5. Traditional Medicine: Our Traditional Medicine Doctors treat beneficiaries with homemade remedies.

Our Medical Team Background:

Dr. Ehsanullah Shafaq Dr. Ehsanullah Shafaq, a dedicated and experienced physician, has been with our organization since January 2023. As an MD, he provides full support for all OPD diagnoses and treats various diseases. Dr. Shafaq has also worked in the field of psychiatry for five years, allowing him to assist with psychiatric conditions and complications. He is committed to utilizing breakthrough tactics in psychotherapy and CBT.

Future Plans and Collaborations

Our organization is actively seeking new funds and strategies to expand our workforce and provide more opportunities in the health sector. We welcome new collaborations and support from organizations worldwide. Our mission is to offer compassionate and effective mental health care, and we are proud to provide these services free of charge to all who seek assistance.

Health and Mental Health Awareness Classes and Workshops

We offer classes and workshops focused on health and mental health awareness for beneficiaries. Our primary goals include:

1. WASH Program: Promoting water, sanitation, and hygiene in the community, with experience in this field during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Maternity Complications Awareness: Providing basic toolkits and education.
3. Psychiatric Support: We provide psychiatric treatment for various conditions through a professional psychiatrist with extensive experience in the field.
4. Child Care Awareness Programs
5. Mental Health Programs: Teaching beneficiaries how to practice self-care and healing at home.

6. Traditional Medicine: Offering classes on traditional medicine, graduating students, and raising awareness about its benefits, especially in remote areas where modern science has not reached.


Engraving and Handicraft Art

Our organization has also established an Engraving and Handicraft sector, where we design and create high-quality art. Examples of our work are provided below.

Team of Engraving and Handicraft Art:

Mohammad Mujib Akbarzada: Mohammad Mujib Akbarzada has several years of experience as an Engraving Trainer. His work has reached many parts of Afghanistan. He is a professional Engraving Trainer and is currently designing masterpieces for HIRO Organization.

Zarghona Noran: Zarghona Noran is a professional handicraft designer whose work has been appreciated in countries such as Dubai and India, as well as within Afghanistan in places like Herat and Nangarhar. She is passionate about creating showpieces for homes and offices and is currently working with us.

Engraving and Handicraft Classes and Workshops

We provide Engraving and Handicraft classes in collaboration with UN Women. We gather beneficiaries in need through our beneficiary gathering policy and forum, providing them with training in these arts through our professional trainers. We also supply start-up materials and machines, enabling them to start their own businesses and become breadwinners for their families.

Women Empowerment:

We believe that empowering women is crucial to creating a more just and equitable world. Our approach centers on listening to women and understanding their unique challenges and needs. We work closely with local communities to design and create a supportive environment where women can come together to learn, share, and grow. Through our work, we aim to empower women to take control of their lives and become agents of change in their communities.

Education:

At Brighter Futures, we believe that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future for children and communities in need. We work to provide access to high-quality education for children who are facing barriers to learning, such as poverty, conflict, or displacement. Our projects focus on creating safe and supportive learning environments that enable children to thrive and reach their full potential. We also take a holistic approach, considering the wider needs of the communities we serve and working with local partners to address those needs.

Livelihoods:

At Harvest for All, we believe that investing in livelihoods is crucial for the development of strong, resilient communities. We work with families and communities to improve their economic stability and promote sustainable livelihoods. Our programs are designed to support the development of systems that can withstand the challenges of climate change, economic instability, and other threats.

We provide training and resources to help individuals develop skills and increase their income through various means, such as the management of small businesses. By investing in livelihoods, we can create economic opportunities, promote food security, and support the long-term sustainability of communities.

Emerhency Respones:

At Relief Now, we understand the devastating impact that natural disasters can have on individuals, families, and entire communities. We are committed to providing rapid and effective emergency response services to those affected by floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. Our emergency response programs are designed to provide immediate relief and support, including emergency shelter, food and water supplies, medical care, and other essential services.

Our teams and volunteers work tirelessly to ensure that we can respond quickly and effectively to natural disasters as they occur. We prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected by natural disasters and work to provide them with the resources they need to begin to rebuild their lives and communities. In addition to our emergency response services, we also provide ongoing support to help communities recover and rebuild after natural disasters. We work with local partners to provide long-term solutions, such as the construction of new housing, the rebuilding of critical infrastructure, and the implementation of disaster risk reduction measures. At Relief Now, we believe that everyone deserves access to emergency response services and support in times of crisis. By providing rapid and effective emergency response services, we can help minimize the impact of natural disasters on affected populations and support their recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Agriculture & Health:

As stated in the constitution of Herawi e Organization, we are authorized to operate in the fields of agriculture and health. While these sectors have been identified as potential areas of work, we have not yet initiated any specific activities. However, our organization is prepared to contribute to the improvement of agriculture and health in the community in the future.

Success Stories of HIRO Organization:

We identified a woman named Farzana among the students in our vocational classes, who had a special talent for beadwork. Farzana was the third wife of a man who had left her in extremely difficult and harsh conditions. She lived with her blind father-in-law in nately, we were able to find a proper home for her, and Farzana also joined our office as After our team visited her home, we decided to find a suitable place for her to live. Fortua very dilapidated and unhealthy house, which had led to various health issues for her.
a staff member.

4. Internal & External Training Sessions:

Herawie Organization also conducted various internal training sessions to enhance the capacity of its staff. These sessions were led by experienced instructors in different areas, including policy explanation by Milad Noori, proposal writing by Ahmadshah Azimi, Ehsanullah shafaq and time management by Mati Arianpou, Ajmal karimi. Additionally, the organization's staff participated in several seminars organized by UNDP and were later able to deliver these trainings to other employees within the organization.

5. Membership in the UNDP Secretariat:

Herawie Organization is a member of the UNDP Secretariat, and various programs have been planned and conducted at the organization under the Secretariat's hosting.

6. Voluntary Collaboration & Agreements:

Herawie Organization voluntarily collaborates with UNAMA and has signed multiple agreements with other local organizations, including the CCD, WSEDO, EAEDO, and others.

7 .Serving Vulnerable Populations:

The mission of Herawie Organization has always been to serve the people of Afghanistan, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and the disabled. To this end, a special section for the deaf has been established within the organization, allowing them to showcase their artistic talents. Currently, three deaf individuals are working with us, skilled in latticework and wood carving. The organization collaborates with them to introduce their art and generate income by receiving various orders.

As part of its commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, Herawie Organization has initiated a daily Sign Language training program for its staff. These classes are conducted by the deaf individuals who are part of the organization, ensuring that all employees gain essential skills in sign language, fostering better communication and understanding within the organization.