1993
Organization Founded
Somali Welfare Society was established by Somali intellectuals and development practitioners to organize community-led humanitarian and development support.
Somali Welfare Society
Our History
More than three decades of humanitarian service, social welfare, and community development across Somalia.
Introduction
The history of Somali Welfare Society is rooted in community service, humanitarian responsibility, and locally led development. Since 1993, SWS has worked to respond to urgent social needs while helping communities strengthen access to essential services, protection, opportunity, and long-term resilience.
Across more than three decades, the organization has grown from a community response initiative into a multi-sector humanitarian and development organization serving vulnerable children, families, and underserved communities across Somalia.
1993 – Foundation of Somali Welfare Society
SWS was founded by Somali intellectuals and development practitioners to support communities affected by humanitarian, social, and economic challenges. Its foundation emphasized practical local action and the belief that sustainable progress must be shaped and owned by communities.
LocalCommunity Participation
SelfReliance
ClearAccountability
Sustainable Development
Milestones
Historical Timeline
2011
Community Welfare and Zakat Assistance
Location: Galkacyo
A community welfare and charitable assistance initiative was delivered in Galkacyo to support vulnerable households and families facing hardship.
2018
Community Water Project
Location: Garowe
SWS supported improved community access to safe and reliable water through a locally implemented water project in Garowe.
2019
Orphan Sponsorship Program
Location: Karkaar Region
The organization expanded sponsorship and welfare support for orphaned and vulnerable children in the Karkaar Region.
2020
Ramadan Orphan Support Initiative
SWS delivered seasonal Ramadan assistance supporting orphaned children, vulnerable families, and community members experiencing hardship.
Expanding Service
Institutional Growth
As community needs evolved, SWS expanded from its early social welfare work into six connected program areas. This growth allows the organization to address immediate needs while supporting resilience, protection, opportunity, and sustainable development.
Education
Expanded learning access, sponsorship, school support, teacher development, and inclusive education.
Health
Developed community-based health, nutrition, awareness, outreach, eye care, and referral support.
WASH
Strengthened water access, sanitation, hygiene promotion, infrastructure, and emergency water response.
Livelihoods & Economic Recovery
Broadened support for skills, enterprise, agriculture, livestock, youth employment, and household resilience.
Food Security
Expanded food assistance, nutrition, seasonal support, drought response, and community food security.
Protection & Social Welfare
Built on SWS experience in orphan support, child protection, social welfare, inclusion, and psychosocial care.
Working Together
Partnerships & Collaboration
SWS has worked with charitable organizations, humanitarian actors, community structures, institutions, and development partners to support vulnerable populations and underserved communities.
Community Structures
Humanitarian Actors
Charitable Organizations
Development Partners
Humanitarian Actors
Charitable Organizations
Development Partners
Looking Forward
SWS remains committed to building on its history of service while expanding opportunities through sustainable, community-centered, and impact-driven solutions.
The organization will continue strengthening local ownership, institutional partnerships, accountable programming, and practical pathways that help vulnerable people and communities shape a more resilient future.
Join Our Journey
Be Part of the Next Chapter
Explore SWS programs and projects, build a partnership, or contact the organization to support the next chapter of community-centered service.