HESDA
Est. 12 June 2012 · Somalia
Established 12 June 2012 · Beledweyne, Somalia
Empowering
Youth.
Building
Futures.
H · E · S · D · A
A youth-led Non-Governmental Organization transforming lives in the Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions through education, leadership, agriculture, and community development.
20+
Permanent Staff
50+
Contractual Staff
2
Operational Regions
5
Board Directors
2012
Founded
Who We Are
Hiran Education Students Development Association
HESDA is a local Non-Governmental Organization based in Hiran region, Somalia, established on 12 June 2012. The Association was founded to advocate for youth in basic social services such as Education, Environment, Sanitation, Peace, and Human Rights towards developmental progress.
HESDA is a youth-led initiative that empowers youth organizations and young people from different regions across Somalia on issues that affect their lives. It provides opportunities to explore different skills and develop leadership potential through trainings, workshops, and community developmental programs.
HESDA also believes that well-equipped and empowered youth with adequate capacities can create a peaceful and prosperous future for communities in Hiran region and the country.
Youth-Led
Local NGO
Somalia
Education
Empowerment
Our Purpose
Mission
🎯
To promote the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, as responsible citizens at local, national and international communities.
🌱
To empower youth through sustainable agriculture and environment initiatives, fostering economic growth and environmental stewardship within our communities.
💧
To mobilize the community in basic health services, agriculture, education, and mainly water and sanitation issues.
Our Future
Vision
🌟
To have empowered youth leaders with skills and confidence to actively participate in decision making processes and develop self, family and community towards positive change.
🌾
A thriving community where empowered youth lead innovations in agriculture, education and environment, driving sustainable development and enhancing food security.
🤝
To make sure that the needs of our community are highlighted and addressed through active participation in developmental issues and support to existing and probable projects.
What We Stand For
Core Values
The principles that guide every programme, partnership, and decision we make.
01
⚖️
Equity & Social Justice
Fair access and opportunity for every young person, regardless of background.
02
🌐
Diversity & Inclusiveness
Welcoming youth from all regions, identities, and walks of life without discrimination.
03
🔍
Transparency & Accountability
Operating with efficiency, openness, and full accountability to the communities we serve.
04
🤲
Community Partnership
Building shared ownership with the communities we serve together as equal partners.
05
🕊️
Peaceful Social Change
Advancing development through dialogue, non-violence, and respect for human rights.
06
⚡
Efficiency & Accountability
Maximising resources and impact through well-planned, results-oriented approaches.
07
🏘️
Community Ownership
Ensuring communities own their development processes for sustainable, lasting outcomes.
08
🏅
Integrity & Excellence
Upholding the highest ethical standards in all our programmes and decisions.
09
🙋
Volunteering & Participation
Driven by youth volunteers who actively shape their own and their community’s futures.
10
🌿
Respect for Environment
Stewardship of land, water, and natural resources for generations ahead.
11
💡
Innovation
Embracing creative, technology-driven solutions to address community challenges.
12
🔗
Partnership & Networking
Linking with local and international organizations to amplify collective impact.
What We Do
Strategic Sectors & Programs
HESDA implements a wide range of youth-focused programmes across Hiraan region and beyond.
📚
Education & Training
Providing access to educational resources, vocational training, and skill development. Non-formal education and school health programs for youth of all ages.
Learn More
💧
WASH & Primary Health
Water and sanitation programs, rehabilitation of shallow wells, health camps, and awareness on HIV, hygiene, and malnutrition prevention across communities.
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🤝
Leadership & Civic Engagement
Fostering leadership through training, workshops, and mentorship. Serving as a consulting body to government on youth issues at sub-national level.
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🌱
Agriculture & Environment
Training youth in modern agricultural techniques, sustainable practices, ethical animal husbandry, and climate change adaptation and environmental stewardship.
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🎓
Youth Capacity Development
Research in youth professionalism, capacity building, exchange programs, entrepreneurial skill development, and youth organization strengthening across Somalia.
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🕊️
Peace & Human Rights
Advancing peace education, human rights awareness, and social cohesion. Creating generations capable of promoting rights and peaceful coexistence.
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🏘️
Community Service & Volunteering
Organizing volunteer programs, inter-generational connection initiatives, disaster preparedness training, and community garden projects.
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💼
Vocational Training
Equipping young people with practical, market-relevant skills in various trades and professions to improve livelihoods and reduce unemployment.
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🌍
IDP & Displaced Support
Assisting displaced children, orphans, and children with special needs. Water tracking and food security support for IDP households in Hiraan.
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How We Work
Working Modalities
HESDA collaborates with governments, NGOs, and community groups through a structured 8-step implementation process.
01
Grant Approval / MoU
02
Approval from SWC
03
Induction Meeting with Stakeholders
04
Coordination with Local Government
05
Programme Implementation
06
Programme Evaluation & Feedback
07
Reporting & Dissemination
08
Project Closure
Our Work in Action
Projects & Activities
HESDA has conducted numerous activities in the field of youth development, empowerment, and social development since 2012.
Completed ProjectsDone
Youth Exchange Program
Developed leadership and community service skills among youth across Somalia.
Health Camps & Awareness
Regular health camps with awareness on HIV, hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition.
School Health Programs
Entrepreneurial skill training and health awareness for school children.
WASH Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and construction of shallow wells and reservoir systems in Hiraan.
IDP Water Tracking
Supporting displaced households with water access in drought-affected areas.
Food Security Monitoring (FSOM)
Monitoring and reporting on food security with 60.9% stress coping strategy coverage.
Ongoing ProjectsActive
Community Garden Project
Youth-managed community gardens promoting food security and agricultural skills.
Tutoring & Mentoring Program
Peer mentoring and academic support for students across the region.
Youth-Led Awareness Campaigns
Community awareness on health, rights, environment, and civic participation.
Intergenerational Connection
Bridging youth with elders for knowledge sharing and cultural preservation.
Disaster Preparedness Training
Equipping communities with skills to respond to floods, droughts, and emergencies.
Digital Platforms Initiative
Implementing technology and digital tools to enhance programme delivery.
Our Community
HESDA in Action
Latest Updates
News & Field Activities
Stay updated with HESDA’s latest programmes, field activities, and community outreach events across Hiraan region.
Gender & Protection
April 27, 2026
Featured Activity
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Awareness Session — Wabishabelle IDP
HESDA, in partnership with ActionAid and the Postcode Lottery Trust, conducted a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) awareness and sensitization session at the Wabishabelle Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Beledweyne, Hirshabelle region.
The session brought together 20 IDP community participants, with a focus on raising awareness about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), participants’ rights, available support services, and community protection mechanisms. Participants actively engaged by holding “STOP SGBV” and “No Harassment” placards, demonstrating their commitment to standing against gender-based violence.
The event was held on 27 April 2026 at Wabishabelle IDP, Beledweyne-Hirshabelle.
Education
2026
Community Training
Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement Workshop
HESDA facilitated a leadership and civic engagement training session for young people in Beledweyne, equipping participants with skills in community organization, human rights, and advocacy. The workshop was designed to build a generation of active civic leaders in Hiraan region.
Health
2026
School Health
School Health & Hygiene Awareness Programme
HESDA’s school health team conducted awareness sessions at schools in Hiraan region, focusing on personal hygiene, sanitation, and preventive health education. Children were empowered with knowledge to improve health outcomes in their households and communities.
Humanitarian
2026
IDP Support
Community Consultation & IDP Needs Assessment
HESDA field teams conducted community consultation meetings with IDP families in Beledweyne to assess needs and coordinate support services including water tracking, food security monitoring, and referral to protection services. The initiative ensures no vulnerable family is left behind.
Context
Food Security & Humanitarian Context
The food security situation across all livelihood zones in Hiraan is classified as stressed phase (IPC Phase 3). Key drivers include recurrent drought, dried-up Shabelle River, rising food prices, conflict, and reduced humanitarian assistance.
These factors have weakened livelihoods for farmers, pastoralists, and displaced households, resulting in human displacement and livestock migration. HESDA continues to coordinate responses and support IDP households with water tracking and food security interventions.
21.3%
Children under-5 at risk of malnutrition (MUAC <135mm) — Dec 2025
22.6%
GAM (Global Acute Malnutrition) rate, December 2025
60.9%
Households employing stress coping strategy (FSOM monitoring)
4.3%
SAM (Severe Acute Malnutrition) rate, December 2025
Where We Work
Geographic Coverage
HESDA is registered in Hiraan region, Somalia, with approval to conduct programs in both Hiraan and Middle Shabelle regions. We have a wide network enabling programme delivery across districts nationwide.
Beledweyne
Main Office
Hiraan Region
Registered Base
Middle Shabelle
Operational Region
Benadir
Sub-Office
🌍
Operational Across Somalia
With a network enabling programme delivery across districts, HESDA can engage and mobilize individuals and organizational networks to implement programs in any district.
Youth Dev.
Education
WASH
Agriculture
Peace
Leadership
Board of Directors
5 board members serving as decision makers for the association, charged with networking, recruitment, and governance. The board meets twice a month.
AO
Eng. Abdirahman Omar Mohamed
Board Member
AI
Eng. Abdirsaq Ibrahim Warsame
Board Member
AK
Eng. Abdirisaq Khalif Mohamed
Board Member
FA
Dr. Fardowasa Abdikarin Adan
Board Member
OH
Dr. Osman Hurie Siyad
Board Member
Structure
Organizational Chart
General Assembly
Board of Directors
Treasurer
Chairperson
Auditor
Operations Manager
Executive Director
Program Manager
IT & Communications
Admin & Logistics
HR Officer
Finance Officer
Drivers & Security
Capacity Building & Youth
Community Mobilization
Advocacy & Social Care
Gender & Protection
Networking & Coordination
Looking Ahead
HESDA Future Plans
📈
Expansion of Programs
🤝
Strengthening Partnerships
🌟
Leadership Initiatives
🏘️
Enhanced Community Engagement
💻
Digital Platforms
Collaborations
Our Partners
Get Involved
Ready to invest in Somalia’s youth and
create lasting change?
Join HESDA as a partner, donor, or volunteer. Together we build empowered communities.
Reach Out
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you — whether you’re a partner, donor, volunteer, or community member.
Main Office
Beledweyne District, Hiraan Region, Somalia
Sub-Offices
Hirshabelle Region & Benadir (Mogadishu)
Established
12 June 2012 · 14+ Years of Service
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