Our History
From refugee camps in Peshawar to integrated programs across 18+ Afghan provinces.
Our History
From refugee camps in Peshawar to integrated programs across 18+ Afghan provinces — a journey shaped by conflict, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to community.
Conflict & Displacement
Rural Rehabilitation Association for Afghanistan (RRAA) was shaped by the humanitarian needs created by decades of conflict and displacement. During the 1980s, as large numbers of Afghans migrated to Pakistan, refugee camps were established in and around Peshawar. In response to these urgent needs, the Norwegian Embassy, supported by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) sought to establish a dedicated mechanism to provide relief assistance.
Norwegian Project Office
In 1988, in coordination with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), the organization was established under the name Norwegian Project Office (NPO).
Formalized & Expanded
In 1990, NPO was formally registered with the Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees (CAR) and established offices to strengthen program delivery and coordination.
Into Afghanistan
By 1993, as the civil war intensified inside Afghanistan, the organization expanded its focus to respond to internal displacement and shifted operations from Peshawar to Afghanistan.
Relief to Development
As communities began to rebuild, NPO broadened its programming from emergency assistance to longer-term development including construction and skills training.
Born as RRAA
In 2005, the organization was registered with the Ministry of Economy and formally transitioned from an international project office into a national NGO (RRAA).
National Presence
Today, RRAA delivers integrated programs across more than 18 provinces, working with communities and partners to promote resilience and sustainable development.
Our Timeline
Select a year to explore each chapter of RRAA's journey across four decades.