Our organization was founded in September 2021 under the name Yatim Orphan Care Organization (YOCO). In August 2024, as our work grew beyond orphan care, we rebranded as the Children and Youth Relief Organization (CYRO) to reflect our expanded focus on both children and youth.
Based at the Rabah Commercial Building in Jigjiga, Ethiopia, our organization began with a simple mission: to care for orphaned children in our community. As our vision grew, we expanded into education, health, girls' empowerment, vocational training, and peace building across the Somali region.
Today, from our head office in Jigjiga, CYRO operates across all 11 zones of the Somali Region as well as Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa — supporting children and youth through a growing network of volunteers, members and partners.
To provide relief, protection and opportunity to orphans, vulnerable children and youth through education, health, and community empowerment programs.
A society where every child and young person — regardless of circumstance — can live safely, learn freely, and reach their full potential.
Compassion, integrity, inclusiveness, accountability, and community ownership guide every decision and program we deliver.
Shelter, nutrition, healthcare and psychosocial support for orphaned children.
Keeping children in school through scholarships and learning materials.
Youth Peace Circles in five cities promoting dialogue and unity.
Practical skills for youth employment and entrepreneurship.
Medical support and nutrition programs for vulnerable families.
Supporting girls' education, safety and leadership development.
From our head office in Jigjiga, CYRO operates across all 11 zones of the Somali Region, as well as Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa. In each area, a dedicated focal point person coordinates our work and stays close to the communities we serve.
11 Zones of the Somali Region
Beyond the Region
The dedicated leaders and professionals guiding our mission to support children and youth.
CYRO's highest governing body. The Board sets our strategic direction, approves policies, plans and budgets, and holds management accountable to our mission, our donors and the communities we serve.
Leads CYRO's overall strategy, operations and partnerships, and represents the organization to government bodies, donors and partner agencies.
Provides independent assurance on financial controls, compliance and risk, reporting to the Board to safeguard accountability and transparency.
Manages CYRO's finances, budgeting, procurement and donor reporting, ensuring resources are used transparently and in line with grant requirements.
Plans, coordinates and monitors CYRO's programs — from peacebuilding to orphan support — ensuring activities are delivered on time and achieve measurable results.
Oversees recruitment, staff development and welfare, and ensures CYRO's code of conduct and safeguarding standards are applied across the team.
Leads our education work — scholarships, school materials and learning support — helping vulnerable children stay in school and continue their studies.
Leads safeguarding and gender-based violence response, ensuring children and survivors are protected and supported across all CYRO programs.
Manages CYRO's communications, documentation and public engagement — sharing our work and amplifying the voices of the communities we serve.
Become a member, volunteer or partner — together we transform lives.
