A4E has successfully distributed over 50 copies of 𝒟𝒽𝒶𝓍𝒶𝓁𝓈𝒾𝒹𝑒: “Ubadka iyo Isbedelka Cimilada” to students at SOS Children’s Village School, strengthening our mission to make climate education accessible, child-friendly, and rooted in the Somali context.
Launched in September 2024, Dhaaxalside is the first Somali-language climate awareness publication tailored specifically for children. It blends environmental knowledge with relatable storytelling, ensuring that complex topics like climate change, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters are understood by young readers in ways that are simple, local, and relevant.
During the distribution event, students gathered with curiosity and excitement as they received their copies. It was more than just handing out books—it was a moment of connection, empowerment, and inspiration. Many children immediately began reading through the pages, pointing out illustrations of animals, weather patterns, and community actions that looked familiar to them. They saw themselves, their stories, and their land reflected in the book—a rare and powerful experience in the world of climate education.
The book emphasizes local challenges, such as drought, water scarcity, and land degradation—issues that students and their families face daily. But more importantly, Dhaaxalside offers hopeful solutions and encourages children to take part in protecting their environment. Whether it’s conserving water, planting trees, or saying no to plastic, each page provides a small but meaningful step that children can take in their own lives.
What makes Dhaaxalside unique is not just the information it provides, but the values it promotes—care, responsibility, curiosity, and courage. Through beautifully written lessons and colorful illustrations, it nurtures a mindset of environmental guardianship from an early age. The book doesn’t just tell students what to do—it helps them understand why protecting the planet matters and how even the smallest actions, when multiplied, can create real change.
Teachers at SOS Children’s Village School expressed their gratitude and noted how useful the book would be as a supplementary tool in their environmental and science lessons. Some have already started using the book in classroom discussions and activities, encouraging students to think critically about how climate change affects their community and what actions they can take together.
This distribution is part of a wider vision at A4E to bridge the gap between youth and environmental awareness in Somalia. We know that if we want to shape a sustainable future, we must start with education—and that education must be accessible, inclusive, and rooted in local language and culture. Dhaaxalside does exactly that.
Looking ahead, A4E is committed to expanding the reach of Dhaaxalside to schools across Mogadishu and beyond. We aim to integrate it into school libraries, climate clubs, and awareness campaigns throughout the country. We also envision future editions, new lesson materials, and even audio or digital versions to ensure that no child is left out of this vital conversation.
Because real climate action starts with awareness, and awareness starts with education.
And when young minds are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act, the seeds of change begin to grow.
