About Heartright Development Foundation
The Humanitarian Development Foundation (HDF) is a national, women-led organization established and officially registered in 2019 by a collective of South Sudanese women representing a wide range of professional and social backgrounds. United by a shared vision, the founders created HDF to champion the wellbeing, dignity, and economic empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized populations affected by conflict, instability, and recurring crises.
As a women-led entity, HDF is dedicated to designing and delivering programs that strengthen food security and livelihoods, promote access to quality education, and enhance protection services—including prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Child Protection (CP) concerns. The organization also implements initiatives in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), Shelter and Non-Food Items (S/NFI), climate change adaptation, advocacy, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
With the continued support of its partners, HDF has successfully carried out interventions across several states, including Lakes, Central Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Warrap, Jonglei, and Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Since its establishment, HDF’s programs have positively impacted over 500,000 women, children, and other vulnerable groups, contributing to improved resilience, safety, and quality of life across its areas of operation in South Sudan.
Our Vision
A continent free from poverty and marginalization
Our Mission
To inspire and empower people affected by crisis to lead a dignified life.
Our Values
Transparency and accountability are core values of Heartright Development Foundation (HDF). We uphold honest communication, responsible use of resources, and clear reporting in all our work. By operating openly and taking responsibility for our actions, HRF builds trust and ensures credibility with communities, partners, and donors.
Diversity is a fundamental value of Heartright Development Foundation (HDF), shaping how we work and who we serve across South Sudan. HDF embraces the strengths that come from different cultures, languages, ages, genders, and backgrounds, recognizing that inclusive participation leads to stronger and more sustainable solutions. By valuing diversity in our staff, partners, and communities, we ensure that every voice is heard and respected, and that our programs truly reflect the needs and realities of the people we support.
Mutual respect is a guiding value of Heartright Development Foundation (HDF), shaping how we engage with communities, partners, and staff across South Sudan. We believe that meaningful collaboration begins with recognizing the dignity, perspectives, and contributions of every individual. HDF promotes an environment where people listen to one another, value differences, and work together with courtesy and understanding. By upholding mutual respect in all interactions, we strengthen trust, enhance teamwork, and ensure that our programs reflect the true needs and priorities of the communities we serve.
Equity and equality are core values of Heartright Development Foundation (HDF). We ensure that all people—regardless of gender, age, ability, or background—have fair and equal access to opportunities and support. By addressing barriers that affect vulnerable groups, HDF promotes inclusive development where everyone can participate and thrive.
Integrity is a defining value of Heartright Development Foundation (HDF), shaping how we work and interact with communities, partners, and staff. We are committed to honesty, ethical conduct, and consistency in all our decisions and actions. HDF upholds strong moral principles, ensuring that resources are used responsibly and that promises made to communities are fulfilled. By maintaining integrity at every level of our operations, we build trust, strengthen partnerships, and ensure that our work has a meaningful and lasting impact.
Our Programmes
Heart Right Foundation delivers integrated humanitarian and development support across South Sudan through a broad range of thematic areas. The organization strengthens food security and livelihoods, expands access to quality education, and improves protection services by addressing both the prevention and response to Gender-Based Violence and Child Protection concerns. It further advances sexual and reproductive health initiatives, provides shelter and non-food items to vulnerable households, and promotes climate change adaptation. In addition, Heart Right Foundation engages in targeted advocacy and supports communities through Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) interventions, ensuring holistic support that enhances safety, dignity, and resilience for affected populations.
Food Security and Livelihood
Heart Development Foundation boosts food security and livelihoods by improving honey, crop, and shea value chains and promoting modern farming. It also drives women-led climate action by equipping women and girls with skills to advance clean energy, sustainable land use, and climate adaptation—proving that empowered women build resilient communities and a healthier environment.
Gender Based Violence
In South Sudan, where weak protections and low awareness heighten violence against women and children, Heart Right Foundation advances gender equality through strong SRHR programs. The organization challenges harmful norms, supports survivors with effective case management, and advocates for policies that protect and empower women and girls to live safer, more equitable lives.
Child Protection
Heart Right Foundation promotes child protection in South Sudan by empowering families and communities to prevent abuse, neglect, and violence. Focusing on IDPs, returnees, refugees, and host communities, the Foundation links vulnerable households to essential services and strengthens community systems. Through advocacy, partnerships, and adherence to national and global standards, Heart Right Foundation works to uphold children’s rights, safety, and well-being.