Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2024, Acquisition International | 9 Enriching Youth Digital Skills Training Programme of the Year 2024 - London SO is derived from the traditional Somali saying ‘Gacmo wadajir bay wax ku qabtaan’ which translates as ‘United effort leads to success’. Through strategic partnerships with local community groups and volunteers, KSO strives to foster resilience, independence, and equality within BAME communities. With a focus on Somali families and individuals living in London, the charity is committed to providing life-enhancing, sustainable solutions to social challenges. The charity offers a wide range of services to address the challenges faced by community members, including housing, benefits, immigration, women’s empowerment, employment, access to food banks, and much more. KSO offers confidential and person-centred support face to face or online through workshops, support groups, community empowerment programmes, and events. Its programmes aim to strengthen communities and provide up-to-date information on welfare benefits, social housing, utilities, employment, and digital literacy. Through its engaging youth programmes, KSO offers digital skills development training and employment-focused initiatives to help young people become active citizens. Furthermore, the charity runs women’s programmes, enhancing the overall wellbeing of Somali women with employment services and mindfulness classes. At KSO, the team understands the importance of empowering its members to make informed decisions about issues affecting their lives. KSO embraces diversity and inclusion to ensure that its services are both accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of its community members, regardless of their background or individual circumstances. The pioneering charity is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of transparency and integrity throughout its operations in order to maintain the confidence of the people it serves. Driven by values of compassion, empowerment, and collaboration, the team leverage their collective strengths and expertise to deliver transformative services to diverse communities. KSO seeks volunteers who embody its values and demonstrate qualities of empathy, adaptability, and effective communication. The charity’s purpose-driven culture is characterised by mutual respect and team work which supports the charity’s mission and maximise its impact. By fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, KSO attracts talented individuals who are committed to the cause, ultimately enhancing KSO’s ability to create lasting change. As a non-profit organisation, KSO faces various challenges such as the rise in digital transformation, resource constraints, and advocacy and policy changes. The non-profit sector often lags behind in digital technology implementation, which can be disruptive to organisations’ charitable efforts. KSO understands the importance of digitalisation and has embraced digital technologies to streamline its operations and improve service delivery. This has involved implementing online platforms for remote assistance, creating virtual events for fundraising and community engagement, and utilising digital tools for data management and analysis. To address resource constraints, KSO continues to diversify its funding sources and pursue grant opportunities, which enable the charity to secure the resources necessary to meet the growing demands for its services. Additionally, the KSO team engages in advocacy efforts and mobilises support from stakeholders to address systemic issues. By collaborating with policymakers and advocacy groups, the charity strives to promote policies that will benefit communities and make a positive impact on individuals’ lives. Rhoda Saeed, KSO’s Chair, shares, “As a charity organisation, we recognise the importance of minimising our environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices in our operations and programs. This may include initiatives such as reducing waste, conserving energy and natural resources, promoting sustainable transportation options, and integrating environmental education and awareness into our community outreach efforts. By incorporating sustainability principles into our work, we aim to contribute to a healthier and more resilient community for current and future generations.” With its emphasis on innovation, scalability, and sustainability, KSO is well positioned to support and empower individuals and families in need. By working collaboratively with other non-profit organisations, government agencies, and community groups, KSO leverages its resources and expertise to tackle complex social challenges and achieve a greater impact on BAME communities. Above all, the charity is passionate about amplifying the voices of those it serves and working together in a united effort to create lasting change. We are pleased to announce Kulan Somali Organisation as the deserving winner of our award for Enriching Youth Digital Skills Training Programme of the Year 2024 – London. Company: Kulan Somali Organisation Web Address: www.kulankso.org KSO (Kulan Somali Organisation) is a charity dedicated to providing holistic support to individuals and families in need. Established in 2002, KSO strives to improve the lives of BAME groups, particularly Somali and Bravanese communities, in the UK. Through its inspiring work, the charity empowers communities with the necessary resources, guidance, and support to overcome obstacles and build better lives. K
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