What We Do

Supporting vulnerable communities to realise their full potential

RESDO supports vulnerable communities to improve their living standards and helps them realise their full potential. The organisation introduces innovations in Education, Child Protection, Health and Nutrition, Livelihoods and Youth Empowerment to improve the lives of the most at-risk populations in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.

Our work spans access to quality education, health services, protection for women and children, livelihood support, and youth empowerment, with a strong emphasis on gender equity and social accountability.

Focus areas

Integrated sectors for sustainable impact

  • Education and Child Protection
  • Health and Nutrition
  • Livelihoods and Youth Empowerment
  • Social accountability and local governance
  • Gender equity and protection from harmful practices
Program Sectors

Education, health, livelihoods and youth programs

Education and Child Protection

Education and Child Protection Sector

Strives to ensure access to quality education, strengthen existing education systems, improve learning outcomes, promote good governance and leadership, enhance gender empowerment, and respond to the needs of crisis-affected children.

Access and quality of education Child protection in crises
Health and Nutrition

Health Sector

Supports access to health services for vulnerable communities, addresses and reduces causes of morbidity, and supports improved sexual and reproductive health through facility construction, provision of medication, and awareness raising.

Primary health and prevention Sexual and reproductive health
Food Security and Livelihoods

Livelihood and Youth Empowerment

Works with pastoral and agro-pastoral communities to improve livelihoods, expand livelihood options, and empower youth with skills, income opportunities and leadership roles.

Livelihood diversification Youth skills and employment
Social accountability

Strengthening citizen–state relationships

Since 2022, RESDO has implemented social accountability programs in 14 districts in Ethiopia. These programs contribute to smoother integration between citizens and local governance structures.

By working with both communities and local authorities, RESDO helps build mutual accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in service delivery, particularly in sectors such as education and health.

Gender equity

Advancing women's rights and closing the gender gap

RESDO recognises that women often carry a high burden in target communities. The organisation ensures gender equity by mainstreaming gender issues in all projects and implementing specific activities targeted at improving the lives of women and closing the gender gap.

This includes combating gender-based violence and harmful traditional practices, and ensuring that women and girls can access education, health services, and livelihood opportunities.

In pictures

A visual snapshot of our work

The “What We Do” gallery illustrates the breadth of our programs, from classroom support and youth engagement to community dialogue and governance.