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Building a Culture of Care: Educating on Animal Welfare in Somalia

Animal welfareEA community
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

CompleteGrant
$520raised

Project summary

Project Title: Building a Culture of Care: Educating on Animal Welfare in Somalia

Project Summary:

Somalia currently lacks a formal framework for animal welfare and rights, with minimal awareness and community engagement on these issues. This project, led by the Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS), aims to address these gaps by fostering a culture of care through comprehensive education on animal welfare. SAWS will implement community workshops, school programs, and public awareness campaigns to introduce the principles of animal rights and promote compassionate treatment of animals. By collaborating with local leaders and organizations, we will work to integrate these values into everyday practices and advocate for the development of policies that protect animal welfare. This initiative seeks to create a foundational shift in how animals are perceived and treated in Somali society, ultimately working towards a more humane and informed community.

What are this project's goals? How will you achieve them?

Project Goals:

1. Raise Awareness: Increase understanding of animal welfare and rights among Somali communities.

2. Educate Youth: Incorporate animal welfare education into school curriculums to foster early awareness and empathy.

3. Promote Community Engagement: Encourage local communities to actively participate in animal welfare initiatives and adopt humane practices.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: Support the development of legal frameworks and policies that protect animal welfare in Somalia.

5. Establish Local Partnerships:** Build collaborations with local organizations and leaders to strengthen the project's impact and sustainability.

How to Achieve These Goals:

1. Raise Awareness: Conduct public seminars, workshops, and media campaigns to disseminate information about animal rights and welfare. Utilize social media, local radio, and community events to reach a broad audience.

2. Educate Youth: Develop and implement age-appropriate educational materials and programs for schools. Organize interactive sessions and field trips to animal shelters and farms to provide hands-on learning experiences.

3. Promote Community Engagement: Launch community outreach programs to involve local residents in animal welfare activities. Host volunteer events and training sessions to empower individuals to contribute to animal welfare.

4. Advocate for Policy Change: Engage with policymakers, government officials, and advocacy groups to promote the drafting and adoption of animal welfare legislation. Prepare policy briefs and organize meetings to present the benefits of animal protection laws.

5. Establish Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local NGOs, religious groups, and community leaders to gain support and enhance project effectiveness. Form advisory boards and working groups to guide and oversee the implementation of the project.

By systematically addressing these goals through targeted strategies, the project aims to build a foundational culture of care and compassion towards animals in Somalia.

How will this funding be used?

**How the Funding Will Be Used:**

1. **Educational Materials and Resources:**

Development: Create and print educational materials, including brochures, posters, and curriculum guides on animal welfare.

Distribution: Provide these materials to schools, community centers, and local organizations.

2. Community Workshops and Seminars: Logistics: Cover costs for organizing and hosting workshops, including venue rental, equipment, and facilitator fees.

Promotion: Fund advertising and outreach efforts to ensure community participation.

3. Youth Programs and School Initiatives: Implementation: Develop and run school programs, including interactive sessions, field trips, and guest speaker events.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns:

Media: Invest in advertising through social media, local radio, and newspapers to raise awareness about animal welfare.

Events: Organize public events and campaigns to engage the wider community.

5. Policy Advocacy:

Research and Documentation: Fund research and the creation of policy briefs advocating for animal welfare laws.

MMeetings and Lobbying: Cover costs associated with meetings with policymakers and stakeholders to push for legislative change.

6. **Partnership Development:

Collaboration: Support the formation and activities of partnerships with local NGOs, community groups, and leaders.

Networking: Fund events and activities to build and strengthen these partnerships.

7. Operational Costs:

Staffing: Pay for project management, coordination, and administrative support.

Equipment and Supplies: Purchase necessary supplies and equipment for project activities.

8. Monitoring and Evaluation: Assessment: Allocate funds for evaluating the project's progress and impact, including surveys, reports, and feedback collection. Improvements: Use insights gained to adjust and improve project strategies.

The funding will be crucial in executing these components effectively, ensuring the project meets its objectives and creates a lasting impact on animal welfare in Somalia.

Who is on your team? What's your track record on similar projects?

Our team comprises experienced professionals dedicated to animal welfare, including veterinarians, educators, and community organizers. We have a proven track record in this field, having successfully conducted numerous seminars on animal welfare, including a significant event last year for World Animal Day that addressed the status of animal welfare in Somalia. Our efforts also include providing medical treatments for donkeys and camels, which directly supports local animal health. Additionally, we have engaged with students in schools across the Benadir Region to raise awareness and educate young people about animal welfare. This experience demonstrates our capability to effectively execute similar projects and drive positive change in the community.

What are the most likely causes and outcomes if this project fails?

Likely Causes of Failure:

1. **Lack of Community Engagement:

Cause: Insufficient interest or resistance from local communities, possibly due to cultural norms or misinformation.

Outcome: Limited impact on changing attitudes or behaviors towards animal welfare.

2. Inadequate Funding:

Cause: Insufficient financial resources to cover essential activities, materials, or personnel.

Outcome: Incomplete implementation of programs and reduced effectiveness in achieving goals.

3. Poor Coordination and Management:

Cause: Ineffective project management or lack of clear planning and oversight.

Outcome: Misallocation of resources, missed deadlines, and disorganized activities, leading to suboptimal results.

4. Resistance from Local Authorities:

Cause: Lack of support or opposition from government or local leaders.

Outcome:Difficulty in advocating for policy changes and limited progress in establishing legal frameworks for animal welfare.

5. Cultural and Social Barriers:

Cause: Deep-seated cultural practices or beliefs that are incompatible with animal welfare concepts.

Outcome: Limited acceptance of animal welfare principles and resistance to adopting new practices.

6. Lack of Sustained Impact:

Cause: Failure to establish long-term strategies or partnerships for ongoing support.

Outcome:Short-term successes with little lasting change or follow-up.

Likely Outcomes of Failure:

1. Continued Neglect of Animal Welfare: Animals may continue to suffer from neglect and cruelty due to a lack of awareness and education.

2. Missed Opportunities for Policy Change:

Absence of effective advocacy might result in no progress towards implementing protective animal welfare laws.

3. Wasted Resources:

- Financial and human resources invested in the project may be lost without achieving the intended impact.

4. Decreased Trust and Credibility:

Failure could damage the reputation of SAWS and other stakeholders, reducing future opportunities for similar initiatives.

5. Limited Community Support:

Reduced enthusiasm and trust from the community, making future efforts more challenging.

To mitigate these risks, it's crucial to address potential issues proactively through robust planning, community engagement, and securing adequate resources.


What other funding are you or your project getting?

The project will primarily rely on donations from the Somali community

Comments13Donations6Similar3
donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

3 days ago

Final report

Here’s your final, clean English version of the Project Closure Report, fully unified under Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) and with all “Watch here” links removed for a professional, publication-ready document.

PROJECT CLOSURE REPORT

BUILDING A CULTURE OF CARE: EDUCATING ON ANIMAL WELFARE IN SOMALIA 🐾

Implementing Organization: Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS)

Project Duration: October 2024 – October 2025

Total Budget: $6,000

Funds Received: $6,000

Funding Sources: Somali community and business sector contributions (approximately 23 donors)

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) implemented the “Building a Culture of Care” project to promote compassion, awareness, and direct community action for animal welfare across Somalia.

The project focused on education, veterinary outreach, and public engagement to improve animal health, protect animal rights, and encourage humane treatment in both rural and urban communities.

SUBPROJECTS AND RESULTS

  1. Feeding Program for Stray Animals in Mogadishu (January 26, 2025) SAWS launched a feeding program for stray cats and dogs across Mogadishu. More than 120 animals received food and basic care. The goal was to inspire kindness and responsibility toward stray animals and strengthen community empathy.

  2. School Visits: Instilling Compassion in the Next Generation (December 3, 2024)

SAWS organized educational sessions in primary and secondary schools across Mogadishu.

The sessions covered:

– The importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.

– The relationship between animal welfare, community health, and environmental care.

– The role of empathy and moral responsibility in society.

More than 700 students and 40 teachers participated in the sessions.

  1. World Animal Day 2024 – “The World is Their Home Too” (October 4, 2024)

SAWS celebrated World Animal Day under the global theme “The World is Their Home Too.”

The event included school visits, art displays, and discussions on conservation and the protection of animals.

The activity helped raise awareness about wildlife preservation and the importance of coexistence between humans and animals.

  1. Seminar on Islamic Education and Animal Welfare (November 5, 2024)

The seminar was held at Somali National University, Gaheyr Campus, under the theme “The Role of Islamic Education in Promoting Animal Welfare.”

Key speakers included:

– Prof. Osman Mohamed A., DVM, PhD

– Prof. Mohamed Hassan Bube

– Dr. Hodan Ibrahim Nageye

– Ahmed Mustaf Jeylani

– Dr. Yonis Abukar Mohamed

Over 100 participants attended.

The seminar strengthened the connection between faith, education, and animal welfare, encouraging compassion as a shared moral responsibility.

  1. Seminar on “Sustainable Livestock Farming” (April 30, 2025)

SAWS successfully organized a seminar in collaboration with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Husbandry at Somali National University.

Theme: Sustainable Livestock Farming

Lead Presenter: Dr. Muslimo Abdullahi Hassan

The seminar gathered various guests, lecturers, and veterinary students from several Somali universities.

Objectives included:

– Raising awareness about the important role of Somali women in animal health and veterinary services.

– Sharing new scientific knowledge and experience on livestock health and productivity.

– Strengthening collaboration between the university and professional veterinary organizations.

More than 150 students and professionals benefited from the event.

  1. Veterinary Outreach and Awareness Program – Yaaqshiid District, Juungal (October 5, 2025)

SAWS conducted a community veterinary outreach campaign in Yaaqshiid District, Mogadishu.

Objectives:

– To raise awareness about livestock health and welfare.

– To provide free veterinary treatment and vaccination services for animals.

– To educate livestock owners on disease prevention and humane animal handling.

Results:

Hundreds of goats, sheep, and camels received treatment and vaccination.

Livestock owners benefited from consultations on animal health management and disease control.

This activity reinforced SAWS’s ongoing efforts to improve animal welfare and support local communities.

MAJOR CHANGES FROM ORIGINAL PROPOSAL

The project scope was expanded to include field-based veterinary outreach and university collaboration.

The implementation period was extended through October 2025.

The number of educational and outreach events increased significantly compared to the initial plan.

Additional focus was placed on practical veterinary services to complement awareness activities.

SPENDING BREAKDOWN

  1. Animal Feeding Program Food supplies, transport, volunteer coordination $1,000

  2. School Outreach Educational materials, logistics, facilitation $1,200

  3. World Animal Day Events Venue, refreshments, coordination $800

  4. Islamic Seminar Venue setup, speaker support, documentation $900

  5. Sustainable Livestock Farming Seminar Venue, materials, student participation support $700

  6. Veterinary Outreach – Yaaqshiid Medicines, supplies, awareness materials $1,000

  7. Administration and Reporting Management, communication, documentation $400

Total Spent $6,000

LOOKING AHEAD

SAWS will continue to build on this project’s success by:

  1. Expanding animal welfare education to more schools and universities.

  2. Increasing community-based veterinary outreach in rural areas.

  3. Developing training programs for youth and women in animal care.

  4. Partnering with faith leaders and educators to promote compassion toward animals.

  5. Collaborating with government and international partners to strengthen animal welfare standards in Somalia.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) extends heartfelt gratitude to all donors, volunteers, and community members who supported this initiative.

Your contributions have made it possible to educate, inspire, and serve communities while improving the lives of countless animals across Somalia.

Together, we are building a compassionate and sustainable future for both people and animals.

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

8 months ago

Progress update

Building a Culture of Care: Educating on Animal Welfare in Somalia 🐾

The Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) continues to advance its mission of fostering compassion and awareness toward animals through a series of impactful initiatives.

🐶🐱 Feeding Program for Stray Animals in Mogadishu (January 26, 2025)

On January 26, 2025, SAWS launched a feeding program for stray cats and dogs across Mogadishu as part of its mission to promote animal welfare. By providing food and care for these vulnerable animals, we hope to inspire kindness and responsibility toward all living beings. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring no animal is left behind.

📌 Watch here: Feeding Program Link

🏫 School Visits: Instilling Compassion in the Next Generation (December 3, 2024)

On December 3, 2024, SAWS visited several primary and secondary schools in Mogadishu to educate students about animal welfare. The sessions covered:
✔️ The importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.
✔️ How animal welfare contributes to community health and environmental sustainability.
✔️ The significance of protecting animal rights and fostering empathy.

By engaging with young minds, we aim to build a future where compassion for animals is deeply rooted in society.

📌 Watch here: School Visits Link

🌍 World Animal Day 2024: "The World is Their Home Too" (October 4, 2024)

On October 4, 2024, SAWS celebrated World Animal Day with school visits across Mogadishu. Under the global theme "The World is Their Home Too," we delivered an inspiring session titled "From Classrooms to Conservation," emphasizing humanity’s shared responsibility to protect animals and their habitats.

Through interactive discussions, we encouraged students to recognize that animals—whether in the wild or within our communities—deserve respect and care. This initiative reaffirmed our dedication to conservation and sustainable coexistence with nature.

📌 Watch here: World Animal Day Link

📖 Seminar on Islamic Education & Animal Welfare (November 5, 2024)

On November 5, 2024, we hosted a highly successful seminar, "The Role of Islamic Education in Promoting Animal Welfare," at Gaheyr Campus, Somali National University. The event brought together leading experts, educators, and students to explore the connection between faith, education, and animal welfare.

🔹 Key Speakers:

  • Prof. Osman Mohamed A., DVM, PhD – Delivered an insightful keynote address.

  • Prof. Mohamed Hassan Bube – Shared perspectives on education’s role in fostering compassion toward animals.

  • Dr. Hodan Ibrahim Nageye – Emphasized female leadership in veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

  • Ahmed Mustaf Jeylani – Highlighted the role of youth in promoting care and empathy for animals.

  • Dr. Yonis Abukar Mohamed – Reaffirmed SAWS’ commitment to improving animal welfare standards in Somalia.

This seminar marked a major step forward in raising awareness and inspiring action within our community.

📌 Watch here: Seminar on Islamic Education Link

🚀 Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

✔️ Expanding our educational programs to more schools and universities.
✔️ Strengthening collaborations with religious scholars to integrate faith-based perspectives on animal welfare.
✔️ Scaling up community outreach programs to promote kindness toward animals.


donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

8 months ago

Progress update

Building a Culture of Care: Educating on Animal Welfare in Somalia 🐾

The Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS) continues to advance its mission of fostering compassion and awareness toward animals through a series of impactful initiatives.

🐶🐱 Feeding Program for Stray Animals in Mogadishu (January 26, 2025)

On January 26, 2025, SAWS launched a feeding program for stray cats and dogs across Mogadishu as part of its mission to promote animal welfare. By providing food and care for these vulnerable animals, we hope to inspire kindness and responsibility toward all living beings. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring no animal is left behind.

📌 Watch here: Feeding Program Link

🏫 School Visits: Instilling Compassion in the Next Generation (December 3, 2024)

On December 3, 2024, SAWS visited several primary and secondary schools in Mogadishu to educate students about animal welfare. The sessions covered:
✔️ The importance of treating animals with kindness and respect.
✔️ How animal welfare contributes to community health and environmental sustainability.
✔️ The significance of protecting animal rights and fostering empathy.

By engaging with young minds, we aim to build a future where compassion for animals is deeply rooted in society.

📌 Watch here: School Visits Link

🌍 World Animal Day 2024: "The World is Their Home Too" (October 4, 2024)

On October 4, 2024, SAWS celebrated World Animal Day with school visits across Mogadishu. Under the global theme "The World is Their Home Too," we delivered an inspiring session titled "From Classrooms to Conservation," emphasizing humanity’s shared responsibility to protect animals and their habitats.

Through interactive discussions, we encouraged students to recognize that animals—whether in the wild or within our communities—deserve respect and care. This initiative reaffirmed our dedication to conservation and sustainable coexistence with nature.

📌 Watch here: World Animal Day Link

📖 Seminar on Islamic Education & Animal Welfare (November 5, 2024)

On November 5, 2024, we hosted a highly successful seminar, "The Role of Islamic Education in Promoting Animal Welfare," at Gaheyr Campus, Somali National University. The event brought together leading experts, educators, and students to explore the connection between faith, education, and animal welfare.

🔹 Key Speakers:

  • Prof. Osman Mohamed A., DVM, PhD – Delivered an insightful keynote address.

  • Prof. Mohamed Hassan Bube – Shared perspectives on education’s role in fostering compassion toward animals.

  • Dr. Hodan Ibrahim Nageye – Emphasized female leadership in veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

  • Ahmed Mustaf Jeylani – Highlighted the role of youth in promoting care and empathy for animals.

  • Dr. Yonis Abukar Mohamed – Reaffirmed SAWS’ commitment to improving animal welfare standards in Somalia.

This seminar marked a major step forward in raising awareness and inspiring action within our community.

📌 Watch here: Seminar on Islamic Education Link

🚀 Looking Ahead: What’s Next?

✔️ Expanding our educational programs to more schools and universities.
✔️ Strengthening collaborations with religious scholars to integrate faith-based perspectives on animal welfare.
✔️ Scaling up community outreach programs to promote kindness toward animals.


donated $340
Jason avatar

Jason

about 1 year ago

Pushing to minimum threshold, mainly in deference to the people in Somalia who have already donated. In light of income/asset levels in Somalia, that's a meaningful level of community support reflecting the donors' belief that this project is viable. The SAWS Facebook page has been posting since at least 3020 with about 1K likes, 1.2K followers, showing that the grantee has skin in the game and is not merely going wherever the funding is.

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

about 1 year ago

@Jason

Thank you for your generous donation. It’s especially meaningful considering the strong support from within Somalia, where people have given despite limited resources. Your contribution is a vital part of this effort, helping to make a real impact on the welfare of Somali animals. We truly appreciate your support and commitment to this cause.

donated $340
Jason avatar

Jason

about 1 year ago

Is this the Somali Animal Welfare Society that is leading the project?

https://www.facebook.com/welfaresomali

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

about 1 year ago

@Jason

Yes, that's correct! This is the Somali Animal Welfare Society (SAWS), which is leading the project.

donated $10
SofiaBalderson avatar

Sofia Balderson

about 1 year ago

Thanks a lot for working in such a neglected region and country Abdiaziz! Please feel free to join our free community to get more support, we have a separate channel for Africa. https://tally.so/r/wkGKer

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

about 1 year ago

@SofiaBalderson

Thank you for your invitation! I'm excited to join the community and connect with others who are passionate about animal welfare, especially in the African context. I've just joined the Slack channel and look forward to learning from and collaborating with everyone. Your support means a lot, and I'm eager to share our experiences from Somalia while also gaining new insights and resources to make an even greater impact. Thank you again for your generous donation!

donated $340
Jason avatar

Jason

about 1 year ago

How much funding have you received from the Somali community so far?

(The rationale for this question is that the Somali community is likely to be a better judge of this project's viability in Somalia than I am! So I'm looking for evidence of community buy-in. Given that, I'm at least as interested in the number of donors as the amount raised.)

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

about 1 year ago

Dear @Jason ,

Thank you for your interest.

In this project, we initially set a budget of $6,000. So far, we have received $1,500 from the Somali community, with a significant portion coming from the business sector. Donations have been made by around 23 individuals.

donated $340
Jason avatar

Jason

about 1 year ago

@Idiriis Thanks for the response! (I'm going to offer $10 now....for context, this is both a "vote" for you under the quadratic funding mechanism and a way of telling myself to look again once I've seen all the projects)

donated $10
Idiriis avatar

Abdiaziz Idiris Mohamud

about 1 year ago

@Jason

Thank you