Registered with the Federal Government of Somalia · MoIFAR/NGOD/0161

Jubba Youth Association

Young people of the Jubba, working for the Jubba.

Founded in 2013, JYA promotes resilience, dignity, inclusion and self-reliance among vulnerable communities in southern Somalia.

Jubba Youth Association (JYA) is a non-profit humanitarian and community development organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and youth-led initiatives. Founded in 2013 to address the social, economic, and humanitarian challenges facing communities in the Jubba region and beyond, JYA works to promote resilience, dignity, inclusion, and self-reliance among vulnerable populations.

The organization prioritizes community participation and locally led solutions to ensure that interventions are relevant, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of the people it serves.

The Association works closely with local communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, humanitarian agencies, development partners, and the private sector to strengthen community capacity, improve access to essential services, and support long-term recovery and development. Through training, advocacy, awareness campaigns, and community-based initiatives, JYA empowers young people, women, and marginalized groups to become active contributors to peaceful, resilient, and prosperous communities.

We are guided by the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, accountability, transparency, integrity, and respect for human rights. All people, regardless of age, gender, disability, ethnicity or social background, should have equal opportunities to take part in and benefit from development and humanitarian programs.

Our vision

A peaceful, resilient, and prosperous society where all people, especially youth, marginalized and vulnerable communities, have equal opportunities to realize their full potential in a dignified and fulfilling manner.

Our mission

To improve the well-being of vulnerable communities, youth, women, and the marginalized through humanitarian assistance, sustainable development, youth empowerment, and inclusive partnerships that promote resilience, social cohesion, and lasting positive impact.

Core values

Nine commitments we hold ourselves to.

  1. 01

    Humanity

    Every person is owed dignity, care and a fair chance.

  2. 02

    Integrity

    We do what we say, and we say what we do.

  3. 03

    Accountability

    We answer to the communities we serve, first.

  4. 04

    Transparency

    Open about how decisions are made and resources are used.

  5. 05

    Inclusiveness

    No one is left out because of age, gender, disability or background.

  6. 06

    Innovation

    Practical, local ideas that fit the realities on the ground.

  7. 07

    Partnership

    Working with others multiplies what any one group can do.

  8. 08

    Respect

    For culture, for local knowledge and for every voice.

  9. 09

    Community Empowerment

    Communities lead; we walk with them.

Development approach

Sustainable change cannot come from short-term fixes alone.

It takes real participation, stronger local capacity, inclusive decisions, sustainable livelihoods, social cohesion and better access to essential services.

Community-centred

JYA places affected communities at the centre of its programming and considers them active partners rather than passive beneficiaries. Communities take part in identifying needs, setting priorities, planning, implementation, monitoring, feedback and learning.

Locally led

We build on existing community knowledge, structures and networks, working with local authorities, community leaders, civil society, youth groups and women's groups so that solutions are ones people can understand, manage and sustain.

Integrated

Drought, conflict, displacement, poverty and limited services are connected. Where appropriate, we link emergency assistance with longer-term recovery, livelihoods, capacity strengthening, peacebuilding and resilience.

Inclusive

Particular attention goes to the participation of women, youth, children, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and other marginalized groups, so that interventions are relevant, culturally appropriate and accountable.

Governance

Board of Directors

JYA is governed by a volunteer board drawn from the communities it serves.

  • Warsame Ali Chairperson
  • Bashi Ahmed Mohamed Executive Director
  • Habiba Abdullahi Adan Treasurer
  • Ibrahim Mohamed Ali Member
  • Hassan Ahmed Ali Board Secretary