My name is Warsame and I am a volunteer. I have been to Somalia. I have walked through small villages, sat with families on the ground, and held the hands of children who could not see me—but somehow still smiled when they felt my presence.

What I witnessed there changed me forever.

What I Saw With My Own Eyes

I met blind children who navigate the world by sound, touch, and trust. I saw children reaching out their hands, waiting for someone to guide them. I saw mothers who never let go, fathers who speak softly so their children always know they are near.

One little girl, Amina, held my hand tightly. She asked me to describe the sky. When I told her it was wide and blue, she smiled and said she liked the way it sounded. That moment stayed with me.

These children are not broken. They are gentle, curious, and full of life. But the world around them offers very little help.

The Quiet Struggles No One Talks About

In many parts of Somalia, blindness in children is not just a medical condition—it becomes a life sentence. I saw children who do not attend school, not because they don’t want to learn, but because there is nowhere for them to go. I saw families doing everything they can, yet still feeling helpless.

These children live with:

* Isolation from other children

* Dependence on family for every step

* Limited access to education and care

* Fear of being left behind

And yet, they still laugh. They still dream.

Why I’m Sharing This

I am sharing this because these children deserve to be seen—especially by those of us who can help amplify their voices. Being there in person made me realize how powerful awareness and human support can be.

These families do not ask for pity. They ask for understanding, inclusion, and hope.

### What Support Truly Means

Support can be as simple as:

* Caring enough to read their story

* Sharing their reality with others

* Standing with families who feel alone

* Believing that blind children have bright futures

* Choosing compassion over indifference

When people come together with open hearts, lives begin to change.

From My Heart to Yours

I left Somalia, but Somalia never left me. I still hear the laughter of those children. I still feel their small hands in mine. And I still carry the responsibility to speak for them.

They may live in darkness, but they are surrounded by love—and with our support, that love can grow stronger.

Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. Thank you for standing with blind children in Somalia.