The story of UpBeat Alliance traces back to 2023, when a group of passionate youth came together with a shared vision to address critical gaps in their community. Fueled by a desire to empower their peers and drive positive change, they identified pressing issues affecting their society: the lack of opportunities for youth skill development, inadequate research in the health sector and the profound impact of climate shocks on health and gender equality advocacy­­. It was a moment of clarity—a realization that they could no longer stand idly by while their fellow citizens suffered.

Among these visionary founders was a young woman whose journey epitomized resilience in the face of adversity. Born into the chaos of civil war, she defied societal norms and pursued education with unwavering determination. Despite the obstacles, including a lack of prioritization for girls’ education and the upheaval of displacement to an IDP camp, she persisted, eventually earning her degree in medicine and public health.

It was during her time in the IDP camp that the stark realities of Somalia’s health infrastructure and the urgent need for change became abundantly clear. Witnessing the struggles of her community, she knew that action was necessary fueled by her own experiences. With a deep-seated commitment to breaking down barriers and uplifting her community she joined forces with fellow youth to establish Upbeat Alliance. Together, they recognized the interconnected nature of the challenges facing their society: the lack of skills development opportunities for youth, the dearth of research in the health sector and the devastating impact of climate shocks on healthcare-all while advocating vehemently for gender equality. Today, Upbeat Alliance stands as a testament to the power of determination and resilience. Guided by the indomitable spirit of its founders it continues to inspire hope, drive progress and make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals and communities