Nationally registered, non-political, non-partisan
SAYS is headquartered in Borama, Awdal Region, and operates across all six administrative regions of Somaliland — Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, Togdheer, Saaxil, Sool and Sanaag. From a youth-focused community initiative, it has grown into a multi-sectoral NGO managing complex, multi-donor programmes with formal governance systems, comprehensive policies and a dedicated MEAL department.
Today SAYS is recognised as a trusted implementing partner by major UN agencies, international NGOs and bilateral donors.
The principles that guide everything we do
Integrity & Transparency
Honesty and openness in all dealings with communities, partners, donors, and staff. Financial and programmatic accountability is non-negotiable.
Community Ownership
Communities are agents of their own development. SAYS co-designs, implements, and evaluates programmes in genuine partnership with the people served.
Human Dignity & Rights
Every person has inherent worth. All programmes are grounded in a human rights-based approach recognising the dignity and agency of all.
Gender Equity & Inclusion
Active promotion of equal participation, voice, and leadership of women, girls, youth, and marginalised groups — in programmes and within SAYS itself.
Professionalism & Excellence
Commitment to the highest standards of programme quality, governance, and accountability to affected populations.
Partnerships & Collaboration
Authentic, equitable partnerships at all levels, recognising that no single organisation can address Somaliland's complex challenges alone.
Innovation & Learning
Adaptive management and evidence-based learning, with the courage to try new approaches in service of communities.
Environmental Stewardship
A duty to protect the environment and integrate climate and sustainability considerations into all work.
More than 22 years of service
Founded in Borama, Awdal, by community intellectuals, youth leaders and development professionals committed to youth welfare and community recovery.
Expanded into protection and governance with UNHCR, NRC, World Bank and UNICEF — population movement tracking, community-driven development and peace programmes.
Scaled food security, agriculture and youth livelihoods with WFP, WHH and World Vision across Awdal Region.
Delivered large-scale humanitarian cash and refugee assistance with WFP and UNHCR during drought and displacement.
Conducted Borama's first urban displacement feasibility study with UNOPS/Cities Alliance.
Launched a new evidence-based Strategic Plan built on six pillars, aligned with the SDGs, NDP III and the HDP Nexus.
A three-tier model with clear accountability
Governance, management and implementation functions are kept separate, ensuring independent oversight and integrity.
General Assembly
Supreme governing body; approves strategic plans, budgets and by-laws, elects Board members and exercises ultimate oversight.
Board of Directors
Provides strategic direction and policy guidance; appoints and supervises the Executive Director; ensures fiduciary duty, compliance and integrity.
Executive Director
Chief executive; implements Board decisions, leads all departments and represents SAYS externally. Currently Nour Adan Shirdon.
Internal Auditor
Provides independent assurance on financial controls and compliance, reporting functionally to the Board.
Risk & Compliance Unit
Identifies and mitigates organisational risk and ensures adherence to donor requirements and internal policies.
CRFM Officer
Manages the Complaints, Response and Feedback Mechanism, ensuring accessible, confidential accountability channels.