Somali Education and Development Trust

06/09/2026

Somali Poet Ayan at Global Somali Diaspora Conference

02/09/2026

I am honoured to be officially welcomed as a panellist at the Global Somali Diaspora International Conference (GSDIC 2026), taking place from 4–6 September at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane.
I look forward to contributing to an important conversation about how the Somali diaspora can use its skills, professional expertise, entrepreneurial experience and global networks to strengthen local capacity, empower communities and create sustainable opportunities for the next generation.
My contribution will draw on more than a decade of community leadership across New Zealand and Australia, including our work through Australia Refugees and Family Reunification Inc. (ARFRI) to advance refugee-led development, family reunification, settlement support, leadership and community capacity building.
Thank you once again to everyone who shared the original announcement, left encouraging comments and celebrated this opportunity with me. Although the earlier post was removed as part of updates to the conference’s branding and partner acknowledgements, your support was seen, valued and deeply appreciated.
I look forward to representing our communities with dignity and contributing constructively to GSDIC 2026.

15/03/2026

Reflection on 15 March 2019 – Christchurch

On 15 March 2019, our hearts were shattered by the horrific terrorist attack on the Muslim community in Christchurch. Fifty-one innocent lives were taken while they were peacefully gathered for Friday prayer. It was a tragedy that deeply affected not only New Zealand, but the entire world.

In the days that followed, I travelled to Christchurch representing the Somali Education and Development Trust to stand in solidarity with the victims, their families, and the wider Muslim community. What I witnessed during that time was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Alongside the immense grief, there was also extraordinary compassion, unity, and resilience.

Community members, leaders, volunteers, and people from all walks of life came together to support the families affected by the tragedy. We prayed together, comforted one another, and reminded ourselves that hatred will never overcome humanity.

These photos capture moments from that difficult time moments of solidarity, reflection, and standing together as a community.

Today we remember the victims, honour their lives, and continue to stand against hatred, racism, and violence. May their souls rest in peace, and may we always work towards a society built on compassion, justice, and unity.

We will never forget.

08/09/2025

07/07/2025