Mahibere Hiwot for Social Development (MSD) was founded in 1999 by a group of dedicated youth volunteers with a shared commitment to combat the HIV epidemic in Ethiopia. Since its establishment, MSD has evolved into a registered local NGO and Ethiopian resident charity, focusing on a range of critical issues such as HIV prevention, care, and support, orphaned and vulnerable children care, youth sexual and reproductive health, family planning, migration, child protection, and environmental conservation.
One of the core pillars of MSD’s work is empowering marginalized groups within the community, including early married rural girls, people living with HIV/AIDS, commercial sex workers, long-distance truck drivers, child domestic workers and community support organizations. By prioritizing youth and children, MSD aims to unlock their potential as catalysts for positive change and active participants in the country’s socio-economic development.
The philosophy of MSD revolves around viewing youth as agents of change and childhood as a gateway to a brighter future. By addressing socio-economic constraints that hinder the progress of youth and children, MSD believes in unleashing their untapped capabilities to drive sustainable development and foster societal transformation. Through collaborative efforts with stakeholders, MSD identifies the specific needs of youth and children and provides tailored support services to equip them with education, skills, and assets necessary to seize opportunities and become change-makers in their communities. By investing in the empowerment and development of young individuals, MSD contributes to building a more inclusive and prosperous society where every member can thrive.