Social And Development Association Organizational

Who We Are?

The Social and Development Association (SDA) is an independent, Non-Governmental, Non-Profit, and women and youth led Organization that has been transforming lives in Afghanistan for over 20 years and have been actively implementing projects in the areas of (Human rights and Gender equality, Women Economic Empowerment, Health, Education, Capacity building, Nutrition, Emergency, Protection, Research and WASH) with an aim at improving livelihoods and alleviating poverty. The organization works is registered under the Ministry of Economy Afghanistan. The organization works in collaboration with other line ministries, UN- agencies, NGOs, INGOs, and donor community.

The Social and Development Association (SDA) is dedicated to improving lives through impactful programs that empower communities to actively participate in their development and utilize available resources to achieve self-reliance. We focus on fostering economic and social independence, ensuring that when children are safe, and women and men can provide for their families with dignity, communities can thrive. Our efforts extend to providing critical support to refugees, disaster victims, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups, ensuring no one is left behind as we work toward vibrant, resilient communities

About Us

The Social and Development Association (SDA) is a trusted partner in creating transformative change for rural communities in Afghanistan. For nearly 20 years, we have worked tirelessly to uplift the lives of women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Our programs address the most pressing challenges, including access to quality education, healthcare, sustainable livelihoods, and social justice.

Founded in 2006 by a group of dedicated Afghan and international professionals, SDA emerged as a beacon of hope for underserved communities affected by poverty, conflict, and natural disasters. With a steadfast commitment to equity and inclusion, our initiatives empower individuals by enhancing their skills, knowledge, and access to critical resources. From literacy classes and vocational training to nutrition programs and advocacy, SDA’s comprehensive approach ensures lasting impact.

What sets SDA apart is our collaborative and inclusive environment, where innovative solutions are crafted to meet the unique needs of Afghan communities. We are honored to work with a broad network of donors, including UN agencies, U.S. donors, the EU, activists, and private individuals, who share our vision of a brighter future for Afghanistan. By investing in human capital and fostering resilience, SDA is building pathways to peace, stability, and prosperity.

Vision

Our vision is a future where every Afghan has equitable access to quality education, healthcare, livelihoods, and the resources needed for growth and resilience.

Mission

To empower Afghan communities by enhancing education, fostering sustainable livelihoods, and promoting resilience through inclusive and impactful programs, with a focus on marginalized groups, particularly women and children.

Our Services

SDA Works in the Following Key Sectors

Our services are meticulously designed to cater to the diverse needs of our clients,
ensuring a comprehensive approach to problem-solving and project execution

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Gender Equality And Social Inclusion

SDA is committed to promoting gender equality and social inclusion across all its initiatives. By integrating ...

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Women Economic Empowerment

SDA strengthens the economic and social empowerment of women through vocational training, micro-enterprise dev...

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Education (Access to Quality Education)

SDA improves equitable access to quality education by focusing on marginalized groups, including women and gir...

Areas & Objectives

Focus Areas & Objectives of SDA

Focus Area 1: Education (Access to Quality Education)

Improve equitable access to quality education for children, youth, and adults, with a focus on marginalized groups, including women and girls, in underserved areas.

Implement community-based schools, literacy programs, and non-formal education classes. Provide scholarships, hire women teachers, and establish safe learning spaces for girls.

Focus Area 2: Protection

Provide life-saving child protection services to vulnerable children, including orphans, street-working children, and child survivors of violence.

Establish child-friendly protection centers offering psychosocial support, family tracing, reunification, and alternative care services. Additionally, Work with local
authorities and communities to develop prevention and response

OUR TEAM

Executive Board Members

The Social and Development Association (SDA), our values are the foundation of
everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our strategies.

Mr. Sabahuddin Sabah

Sabahuddin Sabah is a seasoned professional with over 15 years of experience

Mr. Anwarullah Sadat

Anwarullah Sadat brings over 9 years of experience in project management

Mr. Otto Tawanda Chisiri

Otto Tawanda Chisiri is an accomplished expert with over 20 years of experience

Ms. Nargis Sayeed Zada

Nargis Sayeed Zada is a dedicated professional with over 10 years of experience

Dr. Zahidullah Walizada

Dr. Zahidullah Walizada is a health and nutrition specialist with over a decaded

Dr. Hejratullah Adil (PhD)

Dr. Hejratullah Adil is a research and capacity-building expert with a PhD

Core Values

Core values of SDA

At the Social and Development Association (SDA), our values are the foundation of everything we do. They guide our decisions, shape our strategies, and inspire our daily actions in the communities we serve. We are committed to upholding these values with the highest standards of professionalism, ensuring they are reflected in all aspects of our work. SDA’s core values include:

1

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical standards in all our activities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and honesty in our work and relationships with communities, partners, and stakeholders.

2

Empowerment

We are committed to empowering individuals and communities by building their capacity, promoting self-reliance, and fostering leadership, particularly among women and youth.

3

Sustainability

We aim to implement sustainable programs that promote long-term development, environmental conservation, and resilience to challenges such as natural disasters and climate change.

4

Collaboration

We value partnerships and collaboration with local communities, government entities, NGOs, and international organizations to achieve our common goals of development and humanitarian assistance.

5

Gender Equality

We are committed to advancing gender equality in all aspects of our work, promoting women’s rights, and ensuring that women & girls are supported in every sector of development

Testimonials

Success Stories

Testimonials serve as powerful endorsements that can significantly
influence consumer behavior and decision-making

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Nangarhar Province

In Nangarhar province, SDA’s women’s economic empowerment program has transformed the lives of many women by providing vocational training and micro-loans to support small businesses. Among the many success stories are groups of women who, with SDA’s support, established tailoring businesses that now serve their communities. These enterprises have not only provided sustainable incomes for the women but have also created employment opportunities for others, fostering economic independence and resilience. By equipping women with skills and financial resources, SDA is empowering them to break barriers, support their families, and contribute to the local economy, proving that when women thrive, communities flourish.

Bringing Hope Through Healthcare, SDA’s Life-Saving Intervention

In the eastern rural areas of Afghanistan, where access to healthcare was extremely limited, SDA launched a community-based health initiative to bring essential medical services to remote villages. Tens of women facing life-threatening childbirth complications have been saved by SDA’s mobile health clinics, which provided immediate medical assistance. Additionally, SDA has conducted Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) awareness sessions, educating women and girls on proper hygiene practices, breaking taboos, and ensuring access to essential sanitary products. Through this initiative, thousands of individuals have received maternal care, vaccinations, and essential medicines, significantly improving overall community health. SDA’s efforts continue to reduce infant mortality, promote women’s health and hygiene, and empower communities with life-saving healthcare services, ensuring that no one is left without access to critical medical care.

Community Based Education

We have supported the Community-Based Education (CBE) in several districts of Nangarhar This initiative involved recruiting and training local female teachers, significantly increasing girls’ enrollment in these areas. By bringing education to remote communities, SDA has empowered young girls with knowledge and skills, laying the foundation for a brighter future.

Enhancing Agricultural Livelihoods in Nuristan Province

In partnership with local stakeholders, SDA implemented an agricultural development project in Nuristan Province. The program focused on training farmers in modern cultivation techniques and providing access to quality seeds and tools. As a result, crop yields increased by 40%, improving food security and boosting the local economy.

Providing Clean Water Solutions in Kunar Province

Recognizing the critical need for clean water, SDA undertook a WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) project in Kunar Province. The initiative involved constructing wells and installing hand pumps in several villages, ensuring access to safe drinking water. This project has drastically reduced waterborne diseases and improved the overall health of the communities.

Supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nangarhar and Kabul.

In response to the influx of IDPs in Kabul and Nangarhar, SDA established emergency shelters and provided essential services, including food, healthcare, and education. Through coordinated efforts, SDA has assisted over 120 displaced families in rebuilding their lives, offering hope and stability during challenging times.

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