Our Story
From a vision of hope to a movement for sustainable development.
A Vision Born from Concern
The story of Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) is rooted in a deep concern for the growing challenges faced by poor and vulnerable communities, particularly women, youth, and children who continue to struggle with poverty, poor health, limited access to education, and social exclusion. In the years leading up to 2017, a group of passionate development practitioners and community advocates working in Bauchi State, Nigeria, led by Lydia John Shehu, witnessed firsthand the realities of vulnerable populations: young girls forced out of school, women denied economic opportunities, communities lacking access to basic health information, and young people trapped in cycles of poverty.
The Birth of RISD
Rather than accepting these challenges as inevitable, they envisioned a society where every individual, regardless of gender, social status, or economic background, could access opportunities to thrive. They believed that sustainable development could only be achieved when communities themselves were empowered to become agents of change. This vision led to the establishment of Rescue Initiative for Sustainable Development (RISD) on 14th March 2017.
The Early Days
In its early days, RISD operated with limited resources but abundant commitment. Its activities were driven by volunteers, community mobilizers, and dedicated professionals who invested their time, knowledge, and personal resources to support vulnerable populations. Working directly within communities, RISD focused on listening to local voices, understanding grassroots challenges, and identifying practical solutions. Like many emerging civil society organizations, it faced obstacles of funding, institutional growth, and operational capacity. Yet, guided by accountability, transparency, honesty, integrity, hard work, resilience, gender inclusion, and teamwork, it steadily gained the trust of communities, government institutions, and development partners.
A New Chapter: Formal Registration
Recognizing the need for a stronger institutional framework to expand its impact, RISD formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) on 17th September 2019. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in the organization’s growth and positioned it to engage more effectively with national and international development partners.
Growing Impact
Since its formal registration, RISD has evolved into a respected community-based organization implementing evidence-driven and gender-responsive interventions across four strategic thematic areas: Education, Health, Environment, and Good Governance. Through collaborations with Women for Women International, PLAN International, MEDA, the Development Exchange Centre (DEC), the U.S. Embassy, and other development actors, RISD has empowered women economically, improved access to health information, strengthened youth leadership, promoted gender equality, expanded educational opportunities, and supported sustainable livelihoods. Whether helping women establish savings groups, mentoring adolescent girls and young women, advocating for the protection of vulnerable populations, or promoting agricultural value addition and entrepreneurship, RISD remains committed to development that is inclusive, sustainable, and community-driven.
Where We Are Today
Today, RISD stands as a trusted development partner working alongside government ministries, community-based organizations, traditional institutions, donor agencies, and grassroots networks to address some of society’s most pressing challenges. What began as a small initiative driven by a shared passion for social justice has grown into an organization recognized for its commitment to sustainable development and community empowerment. Guided by its motto, “Empowering the Poor and Vulnerable for Sustainable Environment,” RISD continues to envision a society free from poverty with equal opportunity. Its story is still being written, one community, one family, and one transformed life at a time.
Our Milestones
RISD founded in Bauchi State, Nigeria, by a team of development practitioners and community advocates led by Lydia John Shehu.
RISD formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), expanding its reach and institutional capacity.
Implementing evidence-based, gender-responsive programs across Education, Health, Environment, and Good Governance through partnerships with Women for Women International, PLAN International, MEDA, DEC, the U.S. Embassy, and others.
Our Vision, Mission and Values
Our Vision
A Society Free from Poverty with Equal Opportunity
Our Mission
Improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable particularly women, youth and children through strategic and inclusive gender responsive approach for sustainable development
Thematic Areas
- Education
- Health
- Environment and Agriculture
- Good Governance
Be part of our story
Join us in building pathways out of poverty for communities across Nigeria.