Wednesday June 12, 2024
A woman gazes at a portrait of the late Somali-Canadian journalist Hodan Nalayeh during the third annual Legacy Day at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School in Toronto, honoring her contributions to the community. (Photo: Supplied)
Toronto (HOL) — The vibrant spirit of the late Somali-Canadian journalist Hodan Nalayeh was celebrated with zeal on May 29 during the third annual Legacy Day at Hodan Nalayeh Secondary School. What began as a modest gathering has evolved into a significant community celebration, drawing students, families, educators, and local leaders to honour Nalayeh's enduring impact.
A Growing Tradition
Barwaaqo Nalayeh, Hodan's sister, reflected on the event's growth. "Over the past three years, Legacy Day has grown tremendously in both scope and impact," she shared in an exclusive interview with Hiiraan Online. "Initially, it was a smaller, more intimate event for staff and students to get to know Hodan Nalayeh, the school's namesake. But it has become a powerful annual gathering that brings together students, families, educators, community leaders, and media."
The expansion is a testament to the increasing recognition of Hodan's legacy and the profound impact of her work. For the Nalayeh family, it signifies the continuation of Hodan's mission to empower youth and uplift the Somali community.
Barwaaqo recounted a touching memory that encapsulates Hodan's passion for youth empowerment. "One of my fondest memories of Hodan is from a visit we made to a local school in Somalia. Hodan had arranged for new books and supplies to be delivered, and she spent the day interacting with the students, listening to their dreams and aspirations. I remember her telling a young girl she could be anything she wanted to become, encouraging her to dream big and work hard. Hodan's genuine belief in the potential of every young person she met was truly inspiring. She had an incredible ability to make everyone feel valued and capable, a testament to her passion for empowerment."
Honouring Changemakers
The Legacy Day event also featured the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Awards, recognizing students who embody the values Hodan championed. Barwaaqo described the emotional impact of these awards: "Watching the students receive the Hodan Nalayeh Change Maker Awards fills me with immense pride and joy. It's a bittersweet moment because while we miss Hodan deeply, we know that her spirit lives on through these young changemakers. I feel a deep sense of hope and optimism for the future as I see the students' excitement and determination to make a difference in their school and community."
She continued, "I believe Hodan would be incredibly proud and humbled by these recognitions. She always championed the idea that one person can make a significant impact, and these awards celebrate that ethos by acknowledging the positive contributions of these remarkable students. Last year, our mom attended the awards and was amazed at how many applicants applied this year, seeing the number of award winners triple from three to twelve. Hodan's 12-year-old son spoke and thanked everyone, which always makes us proud to see her children watching their mother's legacy continue."
The Nalayeh family's involvement in Legacy Day has deepened over the years, with increased efforts in organizing the event and securing resources to ensure its continued growth.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, the Nalayeh family aims to expand support for educational programs and community initiatives that align with Hodan's vision. "Our hope for the future is that Legacy Day continues to inspire and empower more young people, fostering a culture of leadership, service, and positive change within the community," Barwaaqo stated. "We aim to build on Hodan's legacy by creating sustainable programs that provide opportunities for education, personal growth, and community development for years to come."
Hodan Nalayeh's life and work continue to resonate deeply within the community. Shernett Martin of the African Canadian National Coalition against Hate, Oppression, and Racism and Sheneeza Kanji from York Region Muslims were among the attendees celebrating her legacy. The event's activities included stage presentations, complimentary lunches, and donations, all aimed at honouring Hodan's contributions and inspiring future generations.
As Sahra Nalayeh, another of Hodan's sisters, poignantly remarked, "Legacy Day is a way to recognize that it's just not a name on the school but how the student body, as well as the community, can benefit from what Hodan stood for, what she worked for, and how we can help that memory inspire others to do more to be leaders in their community."
In addition to Legacy Day, the Nalayeh family's dedication to honouring Hodan's legacy extends beyond local events. In July 2022, a group of young professionals, including five of Hodan's relatives, embarked on a challenging ascent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The hike was organized by Dega Nalayeh, Hodan's elder sister, and aimed to raise $320,000 to benefit nomadic, pastoral, and out-of-school children in Somaliland. The funds were intended for the American-founded non-profit Give to Learn to Grow Foundation, which operates two schools in Somaliland and plans to build computer labs named after Hodan Nalayeh.
The trek raised over $233,000, with hopes to reach the target goal as remaining pledges came in. This initiative reflects the Nalayeh family's ongoing commitment to educational development in underserved communities, continuing the work Hodan was passionate about.
The celebration of Legacy Day, combined with efforts like the Mt. Kilimanjaro hike, is a powerful reminder of Hodan Nalayeh's enduring influence. Her work continues to inspire and uplift, ensuring her legacy lives on through the lives she touched.
