Who we are
About YiSHDA
A youth-led, non-governmental organisation building tomorrow's leaders across Nigeria since 2013.
Our purpose
We help young people discover and develop their potential.
Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa is a non-governmental organisation based in Nigeria. Established in 2013, YiSHDA focuses on serving the youth population by providing support and opportunities for their personal and professional development. The organization aims to help young people discover and develop their potential, develop leadership skills, and cultivate value-creation abilities. By addressing knowledge gaps and providing educational training and capacity-enhancement programs, YiSHDA seeks to empower young individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to sustainable human development.
6,000+
Girls impacted through Integrated Community Menstrual Hygiene Program (ICMHP)
Plus 1000+ stakeholders impacted.
2,000+
Adolescents reached through Comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health Program
In- and out-of-school adolescents across Kaduna, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Plateau States and the FCT.
1,500+
Youths Reached through the Economic & Enterprise Development Program
..designed to promote sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment among young people and women...
4,000+
impacted through the MakeHer Space Innovation Hub
...through technology, innovation, and capacity-building programs, MakeHer Space seeks to bridge the gender gap in STEM, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and leadership
Our story
A trusted development partner.
Working across Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Plateau and the FCT — with reach into 16+ states in Northern Nigeria.
Youth Initiative for Sustainable Human Development in Africa (YiSHDA) is a youth-led, non-governmental organization established in 2013 in Nigeria, dedicated to advancing sustainable development through innovative, inclusive, and community-driven approaches. YiSHDA focuses on empowering young people and marginalized populations by providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and economic participation.
Operating across Bauchi, Nasarawa, Kaduna States, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), with interventions extending to over 16 states in Northern Nigeria, YiSHDA has built a strong reputation as a trusted development partner. The organization collaborates with local communities, government institutions, and international stakeholders to design and implement impactful programs that address the root causes of poverty, inequality, and unemployment.
YiSHDA adopts a holistic, systems-based approach to development, integrating education, health, gender equality, and economic empowerment. Its community-led model ensures that beneficiaries actively participate in the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs, fostering ownership, sustainability, and long-term impact. The organization also emphasizes evidence-based programming, supported by strong Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems.
Key program areas include digital literacy and ICT training through the Comprehensive Digital Information Program (C-DIP), Media and Information Literacy (MIL), youth entrepreneurship and livelihoods under the Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Program (YEEP), public library strengthening initiatives, and sexual and reproductive health interventions, including menstrual hygiene management.
YiSHDA is guided by a committed Board of Trustees that provides strategic oversight and ensures accountability and transparency. Its team comprises experienced professionals and dedicated volunteers with expertise in community development, education, health, and youth engagement.
Through its integrated programs and partnerships, YiSHDA continues to equip young people with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to drive sustainable human development and create meaningful impact in their communities.
Our vision
A generation of empowered African youth driving sustainable human development in their communities.
Our mission
To be a pillar for African Youth Development.
Our approach
What we focus on
A holistic, systems-based model — communities help design, run and evaluate every programme.
Education & literacy
Digital literacy, ICT and library-strengthening programmes that close knowledge gaps.
Health & wellbeing
Sexual and reproductive health interventions, including menstrual hygiene management.
Gender equality
Mentorship and opportunities that help girls and young women lead and thrive.
Enterprise & livelihoods
Youth entrepreneurship and skills under our Empowerment & Entrepreneurship programme.
Watch our story
See YiSHDA in action
Our people
Meet the team
Be part of the story
Volunteer your time, partner with us, or support our work — together we reach more young people.
