Youth Development Organization (DYDO)
Introduction
Daami Youth Development Organization (DYDO) is a minority youth-led civil society organization based in Hargeisa, Somaliland. Since its establishment, DYDO has become a leading advocate for the rights, empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion of marginalized minority communities. Its work spans human rights, youth leadership, inclusive governance, digital resilience, green innovation, and humanitarian protection.
Key Achievements
Advancing Minority Rights and Representation
DYDO has successfully influenced local government policies to enhance minority participation in municipal development dialogues. Through coordinated advocacy under the Joint Programme on Local Governance (JPLG), supported by UNICEF, minority representatives are now included in key consultation frameworks at the municipal level.
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement
Over 1,500 youth from minority communities—40 percent of whom are young women—have received training in leadership, advocacy, and peacebuilding across Hargeisa, Burao, and Borama. This milestone has led to the creation of fifteen youth-led initiatives promoting civic participation, social cohesion, and community-driven development.
Promoting Health and Disability Inclusion
In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, and Family, DYDO implemented the Strengthening Health Systems for Marginalized Populations project. This initiative improved access to inclusive, gender-responsive health services for persons with disabilities and minority women in Hargeisa.
Humanitarian Protection and Emergency Response
DYDO continues to serve as a frontline responder for internally displaced persons (IDPs) from minority clans. Following recurrent fire outbreaks and forced evictions in Hargeisa’s IDP settlements, the organization has delivered rapid protection and humanitarian assistance benefiting more than 1,000 survivors of violence, displacement, and torture.
Digital Inclusion and Human Rights Protection
Through the Digital Resilience for Minority Rights Defenders program, DYDO has enhanced digital literacy and cybersecurity skills among over 200 human rights defenders, journalists, and activists from marginalized backgrounds, strengthening their safety and advocacy capacity.
Green Innovation and Renewable Energy Livelihoods
DYDO’s flagship Solar Livelihood Pods initiative equips minority and IDP youth with solar-powered tools and technical training to establish clean-energy micro-enterprises. Implemented in collaboration with MoLSAF and Save the Children, this model has been nationally recognized as an innovative clean-energy youth solution.
Flagship Initiatives
Solar Livelihood Pods – Clean Energy for Empowerment
This ongoing program promotes renewable energy entrepreneurship among marginalized and displaced youth. Through solar-powered micro-enterprises, young people gain the skills and resources needed to establish sustainable green livelihood opportunities.
Bridging Divides: Promoting Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Inclusion
A social cohesion initiative fostering dialogue, cultural exchange, and mutual understanding between majority and minority youth. The program aims to reduce stigma, build trust, and strengthen community unity.
Humanity Badge Platform
A digital storytelling and advocacy platform designed to document and celebrate the resilience, identity, and contributions of marginalized communities. It uses multimedia content to amplify underrepresented voices and encourage civic awareness.
Minority Voices for Inclusive Governance
This governance initiative supports participatory budgeting, policy engagement, and community consultations to improve the representation of minority clans in local governance and public decision-making processes.
Climate-Smart Agriculture for Small Landholders
A food security and climate resilience program enabling minority youth and women farmers to adopt climate-adaptive farming practices, diversify their production, and access green entrepreneurship pathways.
Protecting Victims of Fire, Torture, and Forced Evictions
A humanitarian protection project delivering psychosocial care, legal support, and emergency relief to minority families affected by violence, forced evictions, and fire disasters in Hargeisa’s eastern IDP camps.
Impact Summary
DYDO’s interventions have reached more than 6,500 beneficiaries, including youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Through strong partnerships with UN agencies, international NGOs, innovation accelerators, and grassroots networks, the organization continues to advance human rights, inclusive governance, climate resilience, digital empowerment, education, and humanitarian protection across Somaliland.