Zainab Sheikh Foundation Zainab Sheikh Foundation

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development
  • International aid and development

Target Population

  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
  • Women and girls

Organisation Summary

The Zainab Sheikh Foundation Ltd (ZSF) was born out of personal loss, compassion, and a deep commitment to community-led change.

In April 2008, I received devastating news that my sister had suddenly passed away from cholera. Her death, caused by drinking contaminated river water, reflected the critical issues facing many in Somalia: lack of clean water, inadequate healthcare, and poor sanitation infrastructure.

In 2009, I met with youth, elders, women and men across Beled Hawo, Dolow, Luuq, Garbaharey, Bardhere, and Burdhubo Districts, where we held discussions about their urgent needs and aspirations. These powerful community engagements laid the groundwork for the Zainab Sheikh Foundation.

Starting with just $500 in the bank, and a team of committed, unpaid volunteers, we transformed a small vision into a growing international humanitarian charity. ZSF is now a registered Australian charity working across Australia and Somalia to support disadvantaged communities with locally led projects.

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.