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.
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.
Mission
Vision
Core Values
The principles that guide every programme, partnership, and decision we make.
Strategic Sectors & Programs
HESDA implements a wide range of youth-focused programmes across Hiraan region and beyond.
Working Modalities
HESDA collaborates with governments, NGOs, and community groups through a structured 8-step implementation process.
Projects & Activities
HESDA has conducted numerous activities in the field of youth development, empowerment, and social development since 2012.
Developed leadership and community service skills among youth across Somalia.
Regular health camps with awareness on HIV, hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition.
Entrepreneurial skill training and health awareness for school children.
Rehabilitation and construction of shallow wells and reservoir systems in Hiraan.
Supporting displaced households with water access in drought-affected areas.
Monitoring and reporting on food security with 60.9% stress coping strategy coverage.
Youth-managed community gardens promoting food security and agricultural skills.
Peer mentoring and academic support for students across the region.
Community awareness on health, rights, environment, and civic participation.
Bridging youth with elders for knowledge sharing and cultural preservation.
Equipping communities with skills to respond to floods, droughts, and emergencies.
Implementing technology and digital tools to enhance programme delivery.
HESDA in Action
News & Field Activities
Stay updated with HESDA’s latest programmes, field activities, and community outreach events across Hiraan region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Organizational Chart
HESDA Future Plans
Our Partners
Ready to invest in Somalia’s youth and
create lasting change?
Join HESDA as a partner, donor, or volunteer. Together we build empowered communities.
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you — whether you’re a partner, donor, volunteer, or community member.