The image shows the logo of the Somali Blind Diaspora. It consists of a dark blue hexagon on a light green background, with a white figure holding a cane, symbolizing a blind person. Below it are the words "SOMALI" in dark blue lettering and "BLIND DIASPORA," with "BLIND" in white and "DIASPORA" in dark blue.
Become a member
The image shows the logo of the Somali Blind Diaspora. It consists of a dark blue hexagon on a light green background, with a white figure holding a cane, symbolizing a blind person. Below it are the words "SOMALI" in dark blue lettering and "BLIND DIASPORA," with "BLIND" in white and "DIASPORA" in dark blue.

About Us

The picture shows two smiling women standing next to each other. The woman on the left is wearing a striped shirt and a pink hijab. The woman on the right is wearing a dark hijab and glasses. She is holding a long stick in her hand. In the background, other people and large windows through which daylight falls can be seen out of focus.

Somali Blind Diaspora

ABOUT US

Founding and Original Purpose

The Somali Blind Diaspora Association (SBD) was initially founded as the Talowadaag Foundation, aiming to create a platform for the exchange of ideas and support within the blind diaspora from Somalia. The Somali term "Talowadaag" means "A Place for Exchange and Ideas," reflecting the organization’s core values. The foundation’s target group included blind Somalis residing in Belgium, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, brought together by a shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life in their homeland

First Aid Program

In its early years, the association focused on sharing experiences, spreading knowledge, and providing financial support to blind people in Somalia through small contributions. Members were highly motivated to share their skills and expertise on assistive tools to improve the quality of life for blind people back home. Initially, this support was informal, yet it fostered a strong community rooted in solidarity and mutual assistance.

Expansion of the Association

With the growing needs of the Somali community and increasing interest in supporting blind people in Somalia, the association decided to expand its activities and formally register in Germany, becoming the Somali Blind Diaspora Association (SBD), headquartered in Berlin. This development allowed the organization to extend its reach significantly and attract new members, including blind individuals of Somali heritage from various European countries.

Public Engagement and Collaboration

Today, the Somali Blind Diaspora Association coordinates numerous activities from its Berlin headquarters and works closely with partners in Somalia. This collaboration includes institutional partners as well as individual blind people in Somalia. The organization aims to sustainably improve the living conditions of blind individuals in Somalia by Providing knowledge, resources, and financial support

Future Perspectives

The Somali Blind Diaspora Association aims to further expand its collaboration and attract new supporters. Core activities continue to focus on the exchange of ideas, the provision of assistive tools, and financial and advisory support for blind people in Somalia. The success of the association is rooted in the tireless dedication and passion of its members, whose personal experiences drive them to make a positive impact on society.