The Asia Community Development Organization (ACDO) was founded in 2014 with the aim of addressing the growing humanitarian and development challenges faced by Afghanistan’s most vulnerable communities. Established as a response to the complex and evolving needs of the Afghan population, ACDO sought to provide a local, effective, and accountable platform for delivering aid and fostering long-term development in underserved areas.
In its early years, ACDO focused on building its organizational structure, forging relationships with local communities, and gaining the trust of international donors. The organization began by implementing small-scale projects in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, primarily targeting rural areas that were most affected by poverty, conflict, and displacement.
Over time, ACDO’s operations grew and evolved to address a wider range of issues, including food security, livelihoods, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), as well as emergency response initiatives in areas affected by natural disasters and conflict. As the organization gained experience and expertise, it expanded its scope to include integrated programs that combined multiple areas of focus, such as education, protection, and gender-based violence (GBV) prevention.
By 2020, ACDO had established a strong operational footprint across Afghanistan with 15 regional and provincial offices, allowing the organization to reach even the most remote communities. During this period, ACDO became known for its commitment to transparency, accountability, and community involvement, ensuring that local perspectives were central to the design and implementation of projects. The organization also placed a strong emphasis on gender equality, both within its workforce and in the communities it served.
In 2024, ACDO reached a significant milestone by securing 5.1 million USD in funding from prominent international donors such as UNICEF, UNESCO, AHF, UNDP, AKF, and CWW. These resources have enabled the organization to expand its programming further, focusing on resilience-building, social inclusion, and addressing the ongoing humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. ACDO’s success is largely attributed to its focus on collaboration with local bodies, government stakeholders, and its dedicated team of professionals, 39.17% of whom are women.
As ACDO moves into the future, the organization continues to adapt to the changing landscape of humanitarian needs in Afghanistan. With a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of the country’s most vulnerable, ACDO remains focused on delivering impactful, community-driven programs that contribute to sustainable development and social transformation.
