About Us
About Us
Our Story
Founded on June 17, 2012, Global Aid HANDs (GAH) was the vision of a group of highly experienced humanitarian professionals driven by a passion for voluntarism and community empowerment. Under the leadership of Ismael Hagana, an expert in field operations, GAH was established to address the pressing needs of those affected by conflict and instability, particularly in underserved areas.
Over the past decade, GAH has grown into a leading humanitarian organization renowned for delivering life-saving aid and fostering sustainable development in some of the world’s most challenging environments, including Uganda, Sudan, and Yemen. Through its tireless efforts, GAH continues transforming lives and building resilience in communities affected by conflict and disaster.
Our Role in Humanitarian Efforts
Since its inception, GAH has reached tens of thousands of vulnerable people, particularly in conflict zones. The organization’s efforts have been especially critical in Sudan, a country facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises of our time. The April 15 war has displaced millions and disrupted access to essential services, creating unprecedented challenges. Despite these adversities, GAH remains unwavering in its commitment to providing life-saving assistance, advocating for human rights, and supporting self-reliance among displaced populations. Beyond Sudan, GAH has expanded its humanitarian impact to regions like Yemen, where it continues to play a vital role amid ongoing conflict.
GAH was founded on a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to humanitarian principles, particularly protecting human rights, as outlined in Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organization’s founders were driven by a desire to bring transformative change to the lives of the most vulnerable and to make a positive contribution to humanity. GAH’s mission is grounded in the belief that every person has inherent dignity and equality. GAH’s work is guided by a neutral and impartial approach, ensuring that assistance reaches those in need without discrimination and is delivered according to the highest standards of humanitarian ethics.
At GAH, accountability and integrity are at the heart of everything we do. We hold ourselves accountable to our communities, donors, partners, and stakeholders. From resource allocation to program implementation, transparency and truthfulness guide our operations. In the face of operational challenges, particularly those brought on by the April 15 war in Sudan, GAH maintains rigorous financial and operational transparency standards. This ensures that every action we take is in the best interest of the affected populations, reaffirming our commitment to ethical and responsible humanitarian work.
GAH’s dedication to voluntary values is a cornerstone of its identity. The organization consistently addresses the needs of the most vulnerable populations, even in the most challenging conflict situations. This voluntary spirit is reflected in GAH’s commitment to neutrality, impartiality, and independence, ensuring that our humanitarian actions are guided solely by the needs of affected communities and remain free from political influence. Our adaptive strategies—using the name Global Aid HANDs (GAH) in regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum, and Al Jazira, —illustrate our ability to navigate complex political landscapes while staying true to our humanitarian mission.
Our Work
At Global Aid HANDs (GAH), our core commitment is protection—ensuring the safety, dignity, and rights of the most vulnerable populations we serve. Whether in times of peace, conflict, or crisis, protection underpins all of our programs. We are dedicated to fostering peace, building resilience, and empowering communities while prioritizing safeguarding individuals from harm.
Protection as Our Core Commitment
At the heart of our mission is a solid commitment to protection. We actively work to safeguard civilians, especially women, children, and vulnerable groups, from the risks posed by conflict, disasters, and exploitation. Our General Protection, Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Child Protection programs ensure that individuals receive the care and support they need, offering psychosocial services, legal aid, and secure environments. Protecting lives and rights is at the core of every initiative we implement.
Peacebuilding and Conflict Mitigation
We are committed to promoting peace and reconciliation among conflicting parties, tribes, and ethnic groups. Through targeted conflict mitigation efforts, we work to address the root causes of conflict and bring communities together. By fostering dialogue and cooperation, we aim to create lasting peace in regions affected by tension and violence.
Community Reintegration and Capacity Building
Empowering communities is vital to building long-term resilience. We focus on community reintegration and capacity building to help individuals and groups overcome the underlying factors that lead to poverty, conflict, and vulnerability. By addressing these root causes, we enable communities to thrive and realize their full potential, equipped with the skills and resources to achieve sustainable development.
Women, Youth, and Children at the Center of Our Work
Our commitment to protection is firm regarding women, young people, and children. We strive to create safe spaces for them to develop and reach their potential in peaceful, nurturing environments. Through education, vocational training, financial literacy, and psychosocial support, we empower women and youth to become leaders and active members of society, ensuring their voices are heard and their futures secured.
Become a part of change by volunteering with us
Crisis and Emergency Response
GAH is always prepared to respond to natural disasters, conflict, or disease outbreaks. As one of the first responders, we leverage our community-based structures and locally available resources to deliver emergency supplies and life-saving aid to those in need. Our focus on protection ensures that the safety and dignity of affected populations are preserved during crises, allowing communities to rebuild, recover, and become more resilient in the aftermath.
Become a part of change by volunteering with us
At Global Aid HANDs (GAH), protection remains our guiding principle, integrated across all work areas. We are committed to ensuring that individuals, especially the most vulnerable, are shielded from harm, empowered to rebuild their lives, and supported in creating peaceful, resilient futures.Join us in making a difference and helping communities worldwide build a better future. Get Involved.
Our Key Programs
Emergency Response:
We deliver life-saving interventions in conflict zones, disaster areas, and crisis-affected regions. From distributing food and water to providing shelter and protection, our emergency response programs focus on addressing immediate needs while safeguarding human dignity.
Health & Nutrition
Our mobile health clinics and nutrition programs reach underserved populations, ensuring that children, mothers, and vulnerable groups receive essential healthcare and nutritional support.
Education
Education is a critical tool for recovery. We rebuild schools, provide learning materials, and create safe spaces for children affected by conflict, allowing them to learn and grow, even under challenging circumstances.
Women & Child Empowerment:
We offer programs that empower women economically through vocational training and financial literacy while protecting children through safe spaces, psychosocial support, and educational opportunities.
Peace Building
We foster dialogue, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence among divided communities. Our peacebuilding initiatives support conflict resolution, community cohesion, and long-term stability, helping prevent violence recurrence.
Refugee Response Program
With millions displaced by conflict, our Refugee Response Program supports those forced to flee their homes. Shelter & Relief Aid: Offering refugee families vital supplies and safe shelter. Livelihood Support: Empowering refugees through vocational training, resources, and financial literacy to rebuild their lives
Food Security & Livelihood
Global Aid HANDs (GAH) works to enhance food security and build sustainable livelihoods for communities affected by conflict and disasters. Our initiatives include: Agricultural Support: Providing seeds, tools, and training to farmers, ensuring food production even in crisis-hit areas. Income-Generating Activities:
Empowering Communities Through Effective Cash Transfer Solutions
Global Aid HANDs (GAH) leverages its expertise in cash transfer programming to provide adequate, dignified support to vulnerable communities in crisis. Focused on Targeted and Group Cash Transfers
Protection
We work to ensure the safety and dignity of the most vulnerable populations, particularly in conflict and disaster zones. Our General Protection programs focus on safeguarding civilians, while our Gender-Based Violence (GBV) initiatives provide medical, psychological, and legal aid
Mine Action
In regions contaminated by landmines, we work to restore safety through landmine clearance, victim assistance, and risk education, allowing communities to return to their land and rebuild safely.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)
Access to clean water and proper sanitation is critical in crisis settings. Our WASH programs deliver safe drinking water, hygiene kits, and sanitation solutions to prevent disease outbreaks and improve community health.
Governance & Rule of Law
We promote good governance and legal empowerment to foster long-term peace and development in conflict-affected areas. Our programs strengthen institutions, enhance accountability, and ensure access to justice for marginalized communities.