The Nascence of Social Work Education in Somalia, Challenges, Opportunities and the Way Forward (2018–2026).

 

Presenting at the World Social Work Day 2026 event organized by City University of Mogadishu.

Every year, World Social Workday and the broader celebration of Social Work Month provide an important global platform to highlight the contributions of social workers in advancing human rights, social justice, and community wellbeing. In 2026, this celebration carries special significance for Somalia, where the formal social work profession is still young yet rapidly evolving. As countries worldwide recognize the essential role of social workers, Somalia is simultaneously nurturing its first generation of professionally trained practitioners—individuals who are shaping the future of social welfare in a nation emerging from decades of instability. This blog post, developed in honor of World Social Work Month 2026, examines the historical development, current challenges, and future prospects of social work education in Somalia

Historical Background: From Tradition to Professionalization

A.     Global Context

Social work’s formalization took shape globally in the 19th century, advancing into a recognized profession by the 20th century. Over time, it became an essential pillar of community resilience, human rights advocacy, and policy development.

B.     African Context

In Africa, professional social work expanded notably during the structural adjustment period of the 1980s and 1990s, followed by significant growth from the 2000s onward as countries sought to institutionalize social welfare systems and rebuild after conflict.

C.    Somalia's Timeline

The Somali journey toward social work education is deeply connected to its political history:

• Pre-1991: Traditional Somali society relied on customary systems, clan-based support networks, and informal community welfare structures.
• 1960–1991: During state formation, social services began to expand but remained limited.
• 1991–2010: Civil war and state collapse disrupted all formal social welfare mechanisms.
• 2010–2018: Renewed state-building efforts created an enabling environment for new disciplines.
• 2018–2026: The birth and expansion of social work education marks a transformative chapter in Somalia’s development landscape.

The emergence of social work as a formal profession in Somalia began in 2018, marking an important step in improving the country’s social welfare system. This was made possible through a partnership between UNICEF, the Ministry of Family and Human Rights, and the Swedish Government, who worked together to establish the first structured social work education programs. Their support helped train the first group of professional Somali social workers in the Central and South‑Central regions—pioneers who introduced modern, ethical, and evidence‑based social work practices to the country. From 2018 to 2026, this effort has played a key role in building a stronger social welfare workforce, protecting vulnerable communities, and opening new opportunities for those dedicated to helping others and supporting positive social change.

Key Challenges

Despite significant progress, the profession continues to face structural and systemic obstacles:

1. Shortage of Qualified Professionals There remains a limited number of trained social workers and educators able to deliver quality instruction and services.
2. Insufficient Academic Resources Many universities lack adequate libraries, research centers, and specialized training materials.
3. Low Public Awareness The general population, and even some institutions, still lack full recognition of social work as a profession.
4. Weak Field Placement Opportunities Practical training settings—essential for student competence—are limited and inconsistent.
5. Absence of a Regulatory Body The lack of a national social work council leads to uncertainty regarding professional standards, licensing, and ethical oversight.
6. Limited Professional Autonomy Without licensing systems, social workers face challenges in establishing their professional identity.
7. Scarcity of Specialized Training
   Core and advanced training opportunities are still emerging.

Key Opportunities

Despite the challenges, the period between 2018 and 2026 has presented promising prospects:

1. Growing Societal Demand With increasing humanitarian and development needs, social workers are becoming more essential than ever.
2. Expansion of Universities and Programs More institutions are adopting social work programs, broadening access to education.
3. International Support NGOs, UN agencies, and global partners continue to invest in the profession’s development.
4. Crisis-Driven Awareness Events such as droughts, displacement, and protection crises have highlighted the need for social workers.
5. Emergence of Advanced-Level Graduates The availability of master’s degree programs has started to build a more skilled and specialized workforce.

For social work in Somalia to fully mature and serve its intended role, strategic action is essential:

   1. Strengthen Professional Capacity Increase the number of qualified graduates to meet the expanding needs of communities and institutions.

2. Establish a National Social Work Council A regulatory body is crucial for ensuring ethical practice, licensing professionals, and standardizing quality.

3. Develop a Standardized National Curriculum Harmonizing academic content across universities will ensure consistency and excellence in training.

4. Expand Specialized Departments Universities should create diverse specializations, such as child protection, mental health, community development, and humanitarian social work.

5. Invest in Human Capital Ongoing training and capacity-building initiatives must be institutionalized.

6. Promote Research and Evidence-Based Practice Research is necessary to understand local challenges and develop culturally relevant interventions.

Finally, as we mark World Social Work Month 2026, Somalia’s journey in establishing and strengthening the social work profession stands as a testament to resilience, innovation, and community commitment. The period from 2018 to 2026 has laid the groundwork for a new generation of Somali social workers who are academically trained, ethically grounded, and professionally motivated to address complex social conditions. The ongoing recognition of social work at both the national and global levels underscore the importance of investing in professional training, regulatory frameworks, and evidence-based practice.

Celebrating Social Work Month this year provides an opportunity not only to honor those working tirelessly across communities but also to reaffirm Somalia’s dedication to building a sustainable, professional, and impactful social work system. The achievements made thus far represent only the beginning of a promising future—one in which social workers will continue to be central architects of social cohesion, protection, and national development