Visiting Afgoye after such a long time was both heartening and eye-opening. Located in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia, Afgoye is home to a resilient community that, despite facing numerous challenges, continues to strive for a better future for their children. Our team’s visit reaffirmed our commitment to supporting these communities, focusing on education, health and nutrition.
One of the highlights of our visit was Salaam Primary School in Waanjeesha Village. Though the school was closed for summer break, we had the opportunity to meet with some of the teachers and community members. Salaam Primary School serves 432 children—305 girls—through the dedicated efforts of AYUUB, an NGO supported by UNICEF. AYUUB not only provides learning materials but also ensures that teachers receive incentives to continue their vital work.
Even in the absence of students, the dedication of the teachers was palpable. They spoke passionately about the improvements they’ve seen in the children’s learning and the positive impact of having a safe and supportive educational environment. One teacher shared, "We are very grateful for the training that we have received from AYUUB. It helped us to serve the children better. The support and resources have made a real difference in our ability to provide quality education, and we have seen a significant increase in student enrolment." Our integrated support has extended to providing safe drinking water, repairing school furniture, and supplying menstrual hygiene kits to adolescent girls, all of which make a significant difference in the daily lives of these children.
Our visit to Afgoye District Hospital highlighted the region's critical health and nutrition needs. At the hospital, we saw the dedication of healthcare workers who, despite limited resources, provide essential services ranging from emergency care in the cholera treatment centre (CTC) to maternal and child health, including immunization. We also identified actions required to improve the quality of services, including the cold chain. The hospital’s role is crucial, especially given the recurrent challenges of drought, floods and disease outbreaks.
As I reflect on the resilience of the Afgoye community and the critical role of our programmes, I can say that access to quality Education, Health, Nutrition and WASH services is not just about immediate relief; it’s about building a foundation for long-term development and stability. One of the moments that will stay with me is when I met a young boy named Nur. His name means "light" in Arabic. The light in his eyes truly brings light to our hearts. Nur's bright smile and hopeful eyes are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do.
Our journey to Afgoye reminded us that while the challenges are significant, the impact of our programmes is profound. With the government, our partners on the ground and the local community, we are making a real difference, one child at a time. This is a testament to the power of our collective efforts and the impact of your support.
Without the generous support of donors like USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), Gavi the Vaccine Alliance, Global Fund, and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), none of this would have been possible. Their contributions enable us to respond to the needs in locations like Afgoye, ensuring we can continue providing critical lifesaving services and support to the most vulnerable.