OWS Development Fund

Empowering Educators to Support Student Wellbeing in Dawa, Dollo, and Nogob

We are proud to announce the successful completion of targeted capacity-building initiatives designed to prioritize Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) within our school communities. Recognizing that a child’s emotional health is fundamental to their academic success, these activities focused on equipping frontline educators with the specialized tools needed to foster resilient learning environments across the Dawa, Dollo, and Nogob zones.

The first major milestone involved technical capacity-building training for 100 teachers. This session focused broadly on MHPSS integration and the implementation of capacity-building approaches that place student wellbeing at the center of the classroom experience. By strengthening the technical skills of these educators, we are ensuring that schools remain a safe haven where social and emotional needs are addressed alongside traditional subjects.

Advancing Community-Led Efforts to End FGM in the Somali Region

On February, a high-level advocacy event was held in Jigjiga under the theme, There is no end to FGM without sustained commitment and investment.”The event was organized by the Somali Regional Women and Children Affairs Office with the support of partner organizations, including OWS Development Fund.

The program brought together government representatives, religious leaders, community volunteers, civil society actors, and development partners to strengthen coordinated efforts toward the elimination of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM). During the event, the Regional Deputy Head of the Office and respected religious leaders delivered key messages emphasizing the importance of sustained commitment, community engagement, and investment in prevention initiatives to permanently end FGM.

Participants actively engaged in discussions, exchanging experiences and best practices on community awareness, survivor support, and policy implementation. The dialogue reinforced the critical role of collaboration between government institutions, faith leaders, community structures, and development partners in addressing harmful traditional practices.

OWS Development Fund contributed to the success of the event by providing visibility and awareness materials, including T-shirts, scarves, and caps, to promote unified messaging and community mobilization.

This event marked an important step in strengthening collective action and reaffirmed stakeholders’ commitment to accelerating progress toward a future free from FGM in the Somali Region.

Rooted in Community: OWSDF Joins Forces with Local Experts to Support Educational Reform in the Somali Region

Education is the backbone of a thriving community. On February 10, 2026, OWSDF was proud to co-facilitate and sponsor the Hiraad Education Forum in Jigjiga.

We brought together the region’s brightest minds from policymakers to local educators to take an honest look at our education system. We didn't just discuss the "impediments"; we celebrated the "achievements" and mapped out a clear path for future "efforts".

At OWSDF, we don’t just work for the community; we work with the community. We aren't just sponsoring an event; we are investing in a collective vision for better schools and brighter futures.

We are proud to partner with the Hiraad Institute for Public Policy Studies, the University of Kabridahar, and our fellow sponsors to ensure that the "efforts" discussed today become the "achievements" of tomorrow.🎓✨
By supporting forums like this, OWSDF remains rooted in the community, listening to the needs of educators and families to ensure our support goes where it’s needed most.

✨ Happy New Year! ✨
OWS Development Fund extends its heartfelt New Year wishes to our partners and communities. May the year ahead bring peace, good health, and strengthened partnerships in pursuit of lasting impact.