Human Development Association (H.D.A.)

The Human Development Association was established in 2001 as a Palestinian civil charitable developmental association No (7119). It was formed via the combination of three voluntary committees: the Committee for Entrepreneur Farmers, the Committee for Voluntary Work and the Committee for Affected Persons. The association came about as a result of the needs of the rural community in Al Qarara and the surrounding areas in the southern provinces. Although the number of non-governmental organizations in the Gaza Strip is high, the mentioned region above represents an urgent need for the services provided by these kinds of organizations. The Association has, since its establishment, provided awareness-raising, guidance, educational programs and provided tangible and intangible services to all segments of society (children - young people - women).
 

– Vision

The Human Development Association has looked forward to helping promote, since its inception, a civil society where the values of democracy, freedom and social justice prevail. It also aspires to strengthen community participation for youth and women and also attaches a great importance to children, their talents and their care. 
The Association seeks to promote an interdependent and cooperative community with values of volunteerism. A community where everyone can contribute to the formulation of point of views towards issues of public opinion, thereby ensuring pro-public rights for all. The association has made a great effort in cooperating with international and local institutions, networking and advocacy.
During the last period, the Association confronted difficult conditions due to the closure and the freezing of its work, which led to the obstruction of its role. Then, after the reopening by decision of the Court, it is now again trying to provide services in the aforementioned areas and others. This can be illustrated in the following vision:

"For a tolerant civil socially participant community where the value of voluntary work is enhanced".

– Mission

The association sought since its inception to activate community involvement through the development of voluntary activities designed to coordinate with donor and civil society institutions. The Human Development Association is proud of its distinguished relations with friends and partner institutions of developmental work in and outside of the Gaza Strip. The organization succeeded in strengthening its relationship with local and international institutions as well as many universities and centers for developmental studies. 
The infancy of the association was not easy and faced many obstacles such as a lack of funding and a lack of support and expertise. However, it has successfully achieved its objectives with determination based upon and supported by its audience. This makes the Association a leader in its region. The association is looking forward to providing excellent services to the Gaza Strip in general and to the southern areas in particular. This can be illustrated via the following mission statement:

"We seek to develop the values of tolerance, cooperation and community involvement through programs and projects targeted to serve the Palestinian family."
 

– Values and Philosophy of the Association

The philosophy of the Organization is centered on the commitment to provide assistance and support to the Palestinian family providing an influence upon policies related to the Palestinian family and encouraging initiatives and voluntary work through commitment to the following strategic: 
§  Professional values include: transparency, teamwork, effective community participation, a respect for the public and equitable distribution of resources
§  Ethical values include: respect for community values, ethics, customs and traditions, a respect for human rights irrespective of one's religion or beliefs, color or race, and social responsibility to uphold work ethic 

– Aims

1.     The development of the rural community culturally and socially.
2.     Developing the capacity of rural women and enhancing their role in society.
3.     Building the capacity of young people to promote their participation with civil society.
4.     Developing the capacities of children and their cultural and social skills.
5.     Disseminating and consolidating the concept of voluntary work in the rural community.
6.     Promoting cooperation and interaction between civil society institutions.