RUH Honors Somali American Students with Scholarships at Academic Pathway 2026 in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Somali American high school graduates were recognized for their academic achievements during the Academic Pathway 2026 event, held Sunday evening at the Columbus Airport Marriott. The annual program brought together Somali American students, families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate education and encourage the next generation of scholars. Organized by Ruh (Reviving the Ummah's Heritage) in partnership with The Ohio State University Somali Student Association (SSA), the event featured scholarship presentations, a community resource fair, a panel discussion with Somali American professionals, sponsor recognition, and an awards ceremony honoring outstanding graduates. Several Somali American students were awarded scholarships to help support their higher…
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Horizon Science Academy Primary School Hosts Community Iftar for Families and Students

Horizon Science Academy Primary School recently hosted a special Ramadan Iftar gathering that brought together parents, students, and members of the local community for an evening of reflection, connection, and appreciation. The event created a warm and welcoming environment where families from diverse backgrounds, including many Somali families in Columbus, were able to come together and share the spirit of Ramadan. Parents and students gathered to break their fast, meet with school staff, and strengthen the relationship between the school and the community it serves. Principal Heather Duchene welcomed families and thanked parents for their continued support and involvement in their children’s education.…
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Guidance Residential Hosts Educational Seminar in Columbus on Halal Home Financing and Pathways to Homeownership

Guidance Residential Hosts Educational Seminar in Columbus on Halal Home Financing and Pathways to Homeownership

Guidance Residential hosted an educational seminar in Columbus, Ohio, focused on halal home financing and practical steps toward homeownership without riba (interest). The event brought together community members seeking faith-based alternatives to conventional mortgage options. As a U.S.-based Islamic home financing provider, Guidance Residential presented its approach to Shariah-compliant home financing and explained how its model differs from traditional interest-based mortgages. Expert Insights and Community Engagement The program featured remarks from Abdessamad Melouane, Senior Vice President at Guidance Residential, and Nasser Nahshal, Midwest Regional Manager. Both speakers provided an overview of how halal home financing works, outlining eligibility requirements, qualification steps, and…
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Somali Educators Launch Ilmiyo Tutoring in Columbus to Strengthen Student Achievement

Founded by Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Yasin, the Center Responds to Growing Educational Needs in the Community Columbus, Ohio — Somali educators have officially launched Ilmiyo Tutoring, a new academic support center dedicated to strengthening educational outcomes for Somali students in the city. Located inside Saraga Mall, Ilmiyo Tutoring was established in response to a growing demand from Somali parents seeking structured, culturally aware academic support for their children. For many families in Columbus, access to tutoring that understands both the American education system and the cultural background of Somali students has been limited. Ilmiyo Tutoring aims to bridge that gap by…
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Somali Community in Central Ohio Celebrates the Historic Victory of Anisa Liban, First Muslim Woman Elected to the Westerville School Board

Somali Community in Central Ohio Celebrates the Historic Victory of Anisa Liban, First Muslim Woman Elected to the Westerville School Board

The Somali community in Central Ohio gathered in celebration following the decisive re-election victory of Anisa Liban, who secured another at large seat on the Westerville City School District Board of Education in the November 4, 2025 general election. Anisa Liban originally assumed office on September 23, 2024, becoming the first Muslim woman to ever sit on the Westerville School Board, a groundbreaking milestone for both the Somali and broader Muslim communities in the region. Her continued success at the polls reflects not only her strong leadership but also the trust and confidence that Westerville families have placed in her. Community members praised…
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Somali American Youth Leader Mohamed Omar Launches Campaign for Grove City Council

Somali American Youth Leader Mohamed Omar Launches Campaign for Grove City Council

Grove City, Ohio – The Somali American community in Columbus came together this weekend to show their strong support for Mohamed Omar, a 24-year-old community organizer and first-time candidate running for Grove City Council in Ohio. Omar, who represents a new generation of Somali Americans stepping into leadership, has become a symbol of youth empowerment and civic engagement. His campaign focuses on community inclusion, small business growth, affordable housing, and strengthening youth programs within Grove City. “I stand before you tonight humbled by the fact that this campaign is not just about me,” Omar shared passionately. “It is about all of us. It is about every single person…
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New American Sports and Heritage: Empowering Youth through Sports and Culture in Ohio

New American Sports and Heritage: Empowering Youth through Sports and Culture in Ohio

Columbus, OH – The New American Sports and Heritage organization is making significant strides in empowering youth through a unique blend of sports tournaments and cultural programs aimed at new American communities, particularly the Somali community in Ohio. Founded by Abdi Hassan Miir, a respected leader in the Somali community, the organization has become a beacon of hope and positivity in an environment increasingly plagued by gun violence and drug addiction.In recent years, the Somali community in Ohio has faced growing challenges. Incidents of gun violence and drug addiction have seen a troubling rise, creating an urgent need for positive…
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Mogadishu court sentences 70-year-old to seven years for al-Shabab financing

Mogadishu court sentences 70-year-old to seven years for al-Shabab financing

Mogadishu (HOL) - The Banadir regional court in Mogadishu sentenced a 70-year-old man to seven years in prison and fined him $3,000 on Thursday for money laundering and financing the al-Shabab group. The 70-year-old man, named Ali Hussein Isaac, was accused of transferring half a million dollars from his private account to al-Shabab militants. advertisementsThe chairman of the Banadir regional court, Saleh Daban, said that the court divided the sentence into two parts: four years in prison for funding the group and three years for money laundering and Isaac was fined $3,000. Since last year, the Somali government has intensified…
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Financial Literacy for Somali Americans

Financial Literacy for Somali Americans

Financial Literacy for Somali Americans: Building a Stronger Financial FutureFinancial literacy is a crucial skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about managing their money, achieving their financial goals, and securing their financial future. For Somali Americans, understanding financial concepts and practices can be particularly beneficial in navigating the complexities of the U.S. financial system. Here are some key areas of financial literacy and tips to help Somali Americans build a stronger financial foundation. Understanding Financial Basics 1. Budgeting Track Your Income and Expenses: Keep a record of all your sources of income and your monthly expenses. This will…
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The Autism Crisis in the Somali Community in Minnesota and Ohio

The Autism Crisis in the Somali Community in Minnesota and Ohio

The Autism Crisis in the Somali Community in Minnesota and OhioAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has emerged as a significant concern within the Somali communities in Minnesota and Ohio. This crisis has drawn attention to the unique challenges faced by Somali families as they navigate the complexities of autism diagnosis, treatment, and support within the broader American healthcare system. Prevalence and Impact In Minnesota, particularly in the Twin Cities area, studies have shown that Somali children are disproportionately affected by autism compared to their non-Somali peers. A 2013 study by the University of Minnesota found that Somali children were nearly twice…
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