The Human Development Foundation (HDF) is a non-profit dedicated to empowering communities in Pakistan. Since 1997, we’ve tackled poverty through programs in education, health, economic growth, environment, and social development, helping people build lives of dignity, opportunity, and hope.
At HDF, we go beyond aid to create lasting change. Through programs in education, health, economic growth, environment and social development, we empower communities to rise above poverty, ensuring that children learn, families thrive and generations flourish. We believe lasting transformation begins when people are empowered from within.
Founded by Pakistani expatriates in 1997, HDF set out to empower rural communities in Pakistan. With a vision of every child in school, healthcare for all, clean water and self-sustaining communities, HDF works to break the cycle of poverty and restore dignity.
At HDF, every act of kindness creates a ripple of hope. Your support brings education, healthcare, clean water and opportunities for communities to thrive. By donating, sponsoring, volunteering or partnering, you join a movement transforming lives across Pakistan, turning compassion into action and hope into reality.
HDF’s Social Mobilization Program empowers communities to lead their own development through Village Development Organizations (VDOs). These community-owned groups bring people together, build local leadership, and drive lasting change from within.
At HDF, we believe lasting change begins within the community. That’s why our work is powered by Village Development Organizations (VDOs)—local groups formed by the people, for the people.
Our Philosophy: Mobilize. Empower. Sustain.
VDOs are not temporary projects, they are community-owned institutions that continue to serve long after programs end. When communities organize, they rise.
These key stats reflect our commitment to empowering communities across Pakistan. Each number tells a story of hope, growth, and lasting impact created through your support
# of VDO's formed
Participant of CBDRM
Participant trained in CMST
Participant trained in Advocacy & Human Right
Capacity building of Sector Committees
Gender mainstream and woman empowerment training
This program has touched lives and created real impact. Explore these success stories to see the difference it made.
With HDF’s support, VDOs lead local planning, collaboration, and education to build stronger, resilient communities
Develop Disaster Preparedness Plans
Write proposals to access funding for local projects
Receive training in communication and conflict resolution
Create Village Development Plans for government support
Enroll out-of-school children into education
Build district-level networks for collaboration and impact
Explore the projects under this program that showcase our commitment to creating lasting impact.
Location: All Regions, All Regions, Pakistan More than 1600 of these groups have been formed in HDF villages and are led by both men and women to identify and address the needs of the community. VDOs have become institutions in the community, and are the first stop for many who need help.
Location: Rahim Yar Khan, Punjab, Pakistan “Kehkashan” is run by women and has been the driving force behind many improvement projects in their village. The VDO has opened an adult literacy center and a center for basic garment training. Many women have taken advantage of these centers and are now able...
Location: Tando Muhammad Khan, Sindh, Pakistan Iqra Anum was one of the children enrolled in HDF Mustaqeem’s school. She received her primary education there in 2006 and continued her education. After graduation, she was selected at the University of Sindh for a Master’s program in Mathematics. Upon completing her Masters, she...