Human Life Development Initiative
Sustainable Action for Building Better Lives
Who We are
The Human Life Development Initiative (HLDI) is a national non-governmental and non-profit organization dedicated to restoring human dignity through inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven development programs across Somalia. Established in 2010 in Somalia and later registered in Kenya in 2018, HLDI has grown into a trusted humanitarian and development organization with operational presence across all Federal Member States of Somalia.
HLDI works at the intersection of humanitarian response, long-term development, and peacebuilding. Our interventions are designed to address immediate humanitarian needs while strengthening resilience, promoting social cohesion, and empowering vulnerable communities to build sustainable futures.
We are guided by the principles of equity, participation, human rights, accountability, and inclusion. Through strong partnerships with government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, community structures, and development partners, HLDI delivers evidence-based, locally led, and impactful programs that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Our work focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, including women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and marginalized households. We implement integrated interventions across health, education, WASH, livelihoods, protection, climate resilience, peacebuilding, and emergency response sectors.
With a strong commitment to professionalism, transparency, and accountability, HLDI continues to build sustainable solutions that create lasting positive change for communities across Somalia and the wider region.
Our Programmatic Approach
Our approach is participatory, inclusive, evidence-driven, and community-centered. We work closely with local communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to design and implement practical interventions that address real needs and create sustainable impact. HLDI adopts an inclusive, participatory, and evidence-driven approach across all sectors. Our programming is:
- Community-centered and locally led
- Rights-based and gender-responsive
- Conflict-sensitive and peace-focused
- Climate-resilient and environmentally responsible
- Data-driven and results-oriented
- Inclusive of women, youth, children, and persons with disabilities
We combine technical expertise, local knowledge, innovation, and continuous learning to ensure high-quality programming that is responsive to evolving humanitarian and development challenges.
Our programming integrates key cross-cutting priorities including:
- Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)
- Disability Inclusion
- Child Protection and Safeguarding
- Climate Change Adaptation
- Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP)
- Community Participation and Localization
- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)
Our Vision
A just, peaceful, and inclusive society where all people — especially vulnerable women, children, youth, and marginalized groups — can realize their rights and live with dignity, safety, and opportunity.
Our Mission
To empower communities through participatory, sustainable, and rights-based initiatives that improve health, education, protection, resilience, and inclusive socio-economic opportunities for all, with particular focus on women, children, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Core Values
Integrity and Transparency
We uphold the highest ethical and professional standards while ensuring openness, honesty, and responsible stewardship of resources.
Respect for Human Dignity
We treat every individual with compassion, fairness, and respect, recognizing the inherent worth and rights of all people.
Equity and Inclusion
We promote equal access to opportunities and services while addressing barriers faced by marginalized and vulnerable groups.
Community Participation
We place communities at the center of decision-making and value local knowledge, leadership, and ownership in all interventions.
Accountability and Good Stewardship
We remain accountable to communities, partners, and donors by delivering quality programs and using resources efficiently and transparently.
Collaboration and Partnership
We work closely with governments, civil society organizations, donors, and communities to deliver sustainable and scalable solutions.
Innovation and Learning
We embrace creativity, evidence-based approaches, and continuous learning to improve our impact and respond effectively to emerging challenges.