About Us
Who We Are
An Afghan, non-profit and non-political organization helping women and youth build the skills and incomes that make families food-secure.
Empower Afghan communities, especially women, with the tools, skills and resources to improve livelihoods and achieve food security.
ADVO is a non-profit, non-political development organization founded in 2015 and registered with the Ministry of Economy. It supports war-affected Afghans, especially women and youth, to build the skills they need for employment and to start their own enterprises.
ADVO works across education and vocational training, women’s economic empowerment, food and nutrition, agriculture and livestock, WASH, health, protection and disaster risk reduction. Since 2017 it has delivered projects with the World Food Programme, IOM, ASGP and UN Women, and it reports to every donor on what was spent and what was achieved.
We act as a bridge between communities and the institutions that serve them, building trust through awareness, capacity building and advocacy. Our offices in Kabul, Jalalabad and Herat are staffed by Afghan professionals, including the female facilitators who make it possible to work with women in their own communities.
Our values
What guides our work
- 01
Empowerment
We believe in empowering individuals and communities to take control of their own development and improve their well-being.
- 02
Inclusivity
All members of the community, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity or socio-economic status, should have equal access to opportunities and resources.
- 03
Sustainability
We advocate for practices that protect the environment and promote long-term well-being for current and future generations.
- 04
Dignity & Respect
We treat every individual with dignity, respect and sensitivity, valuing their perspectives and contributions.
Our history
2015 → 2026
2015
ADVO founded
Registered with the NGO Department of the Ministry of Economy (License No. 3578).
2017
First WFP partnership
Beauty parlour, tailoring and embroidery training for women in Jalalabad.
2018
Food for Training
Vocational skills training with cash-based transfers in Nangarhar, with WFP.
2019
Vocational Training Program
A six-month vocational programme in Nangarhar, with WFP.
2021
New partners: IOM and ASGP
Handicraft and carpet-weaving training, and animal husbandry for 50 women, in Nangarhar.
2022
Largest programme to date
Technical and vocational training in Khost, with WFP.
2025
Partnership with UN Women
Women Empowerment & Agriculture programme launched in Bamyan.
Leadership & governance
Clear lines of accountability
Board of Directors
Sets ADVO’s strategy, approves budgets and policies, and holds the Director to account.
Director
Leads the organization, represents ADVO to donors and authorities, and is accountable for programme quality and compliance.
Deputy Director
Oversees day-to-day operations and programme delivery across the Kabul, Jalalabad and Herat offices.
Internal Audit
Reports independently on financial controls, procurement and compliance with donor requirements.
Advisory Board
Provides technical and community perspective on programme design and strategy.
Annual report
Annual Report 2025
Seven donor-funded projects since 2017, delivered with UN Women, WFP, IOM and ASGP across Nangarhar, Khost and Bamyan.