Wednesday April 16, 2025
By Hashim Duale, MBE
Foreword
I am a father to an extraordinary 24-year-old autistic son and co-founder of Daryeel, I’ve seen firsthand how proper support can transform lives. This year’s event, held on 11 April 2025 in London, went beyond awareness; it celebrated neurodivergent excellence and confronted systemic barriers within our communities.
Section 1: Transformative Highlights
1.1 The Power of Storytelling: Life Line: A Mother’s Story of Hope
The emotional pinnacle of the evening was the official launch of Samia Ali’s bilingual memoir, Life Line: A Mother’s Story of Hope. Samia, my wife and a frontline advocate for over 20 years, has been instrumental in shaping Daryeel’s mission. Now available globally on Amazon, this powerful work embodies our family’s lifelong commitmentwith 100% of proceeds funding the Life Line Hope Centre in Hargeisa (why Hargeisa; see footnote*) and future centers across Somali-inhabited cities, including Wajeer, Djibouti, Mogadishu, and Jigjiga.
1.2 During her moving address, Samia shared:
"When we began, there were no Somali-language resources. Today, every book sold provides:
One hour of therapy for a child
Transport for five children to attend classes
Training for community health workers
This isn’t just our story—it’s a blueprint for change."
Key Features of the Book:
Somali/English parallel text that bridges generational understanding
Toolkit for Tough Days that is practical strategies for low-resource settings
Parent advocacy guides that empowers families to navigate systems.
1.2 Living Featured Speakers:
Adam Sergent (Systems Support Manager, National EDI Lead) challenged employment myths:
"My lived experience in public transport design led me to consult on accessibility projects proving that neurodivergent perspectives create better solutions. Now, I’m driving national policy reforms."
Dylan Mathieson-Dodd, an advocate since age 15, highlighted neurodivergent strengths:
"Autism gives me three professional superpowers: pattern recognition, hyperfocus, and solution-oriented thinking. Simple accommodations—like noise-cancelling headphones—unlock potential."
The live Q&A with Adam & Dylan session covered critical topics:
School advocacy strategies
Workplace disclosure
Focusing on strengths, not "fixing" deficits
Dylan “I also wanted to say thank you for the dark glasses, as I did find the venue a bit overwhelmingly bright upon walking in”.
Section 2: Groundbreaking Initiatives
2.1 Fathers’ Leadership Panel
Five Somali fathers (Abdiwahab, Abdirizak, Ahmed, Hashim, and Yusuf) shared their journeys:
Hashim: "Let us stop trying to 'fix' our autistic children; there is nothing wrong with them. Instead, let us nurture their strengths and support them early on to overcome the challenges they face"
Yusuf: "We must retire the term ‘caqlila’aan’ (mindless). Our children think differently—not less."
Cultural breakthroughs discussed:
Transforming shops, mosques, and community centers into autism awareness hubs
Designing quiet spaces in mosques for sensory needs
Fathers actively participating in therapy (not leaving it solely to mothers)
2.2 The Hargeisa Minibus Project
Our fundraiser aims to:
Purchase an adapted minibus ($20,000 target)
Train driver-escorts in autism support
Serve homebound children in Hargeisa
How You Can Drive Change?
Immediate Next Steps:
- Distribute 500 copies of Life Line to mosques/community centers (Join this effort)
- Expand the Fathers’ Support Network (Chaired by Abdulkadir Mohamed)
2.3 Ongoing Support Opportunities:
Purchase Life Line on [Amazon] ; each copy funds:
- 1 hour of speech therapy
- 5kg of sensory equipment
- Community training materials
Direct Donations: Support transport and driver training (Every amount counts!)
2.4 Corporate Partnerships:
- Sponsor bulk book distributions (100+ copies)
- Match fundraising donations
- Fund minibus components
Closing Reflection
We owe tremendous gratitude to our sponsors and partners, without whom this event would not have been possible: Dahabshiil, NHS (in-kind support), WIT (Women’s Inclusive Team), the courageous Fathers of Autistic Children (Abdiwahab, Abdirizak, Ahmed, Hashim, and Yusuf), RIA Money Transfer, The Limitless Minds, HBN Online TV, HSF (Hormuud Salaam Foundation), Amal Arts, Hiiraan Online, Ramadan Radio, Brand Awareness, Fly Way, Life Line Hope, and Kayd Somali Arts & Culture. At event I saw our vision come alive: a world where autism isn’t a barrier, but a different kind of brilliance. The tears, laughter, and "aha!" moments proved that change happens when we shine light together.
Hashim Duale, MBE
Co-Founder, Daryeel | Autism Advocate | Proud Father
Support the Movement:
Buy the Book: https://www.amazon.ca/Lifeline-Nolosha-Autism-ka-Waaya-Aragnimo-Rajo-Gelin/dp/1912411512
Volunteer: [email protected]
Footnote:
Why Hargeisa? While Mogadishu remains a key future priority, Hargeisa emerged as the ideal location to launch the first Life Line Hope Centre due to its streamlined processes and the visionary support of Abdirashid Duale, CEO of Dahabshiil, who generously contributed the initial $7,000 after a compelling 20-minute presentation by Samia. This center is the first of many planned across Somali-inhabited cities (Garisa, Wajeer, Jigjiga, Djibouti, Burco,Garowe, Bosaaso, Beledweyne, Kismaayo), addressing urgent gaps in services while serving as a replicable model. We warmly invite city officials, governments, and philanthropic leaders from all Somali communities to collaborate in establishing centers in their regions—because every child deserves this lifeline.