Executive Director of the Somali Social Welfare Agency
At KnowTheGlow (KTG), we are continually inspired by the remarkable individuals and organizations that join us in our mission to eradicate preventable childhood blindness. We had the privilege of meeting with Abas Hassan Hussein, Executive Director of the Somali Social Welfare Agency (SSWA), an extraordinary organization working tirelessly to support vulnerable communities in Somalia.
SSWA, established in 2022, is a beacon of hope in a region that has faced decades of instability. Born out of the pressing need to address humanitarian gaps, SSWA unites volunteers to bring essential services to underserved communities. Their focus spans vital areas such as education, child protection, minority group empowerment, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). Despite limited funding and resources, their passion for empowering youth and advocating for the most vulnerable is evident in everything they do.
When SSWA’s team discovered KTG, they immediately recognized the alignment of our missions. The team has already been advocating for children with vision impairments, partnering with Kheyrad Eye Clinic in Mogadishu and local hospitals to provide screenings and treatment. SSWA’s mobile units traverse the Southwest region of Somalia, identifying children in need of care and ensuring they receive the help they deserve. Their unwavering commitment is reflected in their follow-up with every patient, ensuring no child is left behind.
During Megan Webber’s conversation, Abas Hassan explained the community’s openness to vision care. He highlighted that there is no stigma attached to wearing glasses, a perspective he exemplifies as someone who wears glasses himself. This openness creates a fertile ground for expanding awareness and intervention programs to address childhood vision impairments.
Despite their incredible work, SSWA faces significant challenges. Transportation remains a major barrier, often requiring staff members to contribute personally to ensure children can reach hospitals for treatment. Additionally, the country’s ongoing instability poses logistical and operational hurdles. Yet, the dedication of SSWA’s team—17 members in Southwest Somalia, 5 in Baidoa, and 3 in Puntland —is unwavering. Their innovative use of WhatsApp for communication ensures coordination even in the face of extreme adversity.
Our discussion with SSWA illuminated not only the challenges but also the immense potential for collaboration. By working together, we can amplify their efforts, bringing more awareness to “the glow”—the telltale sign of retinoblastoma and other serious eye conditions. SSWA’s grassroots approach, combined with KTG’s global resources and expertise, creates a powerful synergy that can make a real difference in children’s lives.
SSWA’s advocacy doesn’t stop at healthcare. They actively engage with the government to establish supportive policies for children while also seeking partnerships with NGOs to fill critical gaps. Their holistic approach to child protection and empowerment is a testament to their deep commitment to creating lasting change.
KnowTheGlow’s conversation with SSWA is a reminder of the profound impact that grassroots organizations can have in transforming lives. As we embark on this journey together, we invite our global community to support this incredible work. Whether through raising awareness, providing resources, or sharing SSWA’s story, every effort contributes to brighter futures for children in Somalia and beyond.To learn more about SSWA and their mission, visit their Facebook page.Together, we can bring light to the lives of children in need, ensuring that no child’s vision is left in the shadows. Let’s continue to bridge hope, one glow at a time.
