A few words
About Us
History
Our journey began in 2014 when a dedicated group of parents in Ottawa united to create a soccer program for their children.
We strive to provide safe, inclusive, and culturally appropriate spaces for families and youth from Somali and East African backgrounds in Ottawa. Our goal is to ensure our members and families are connected to suitable programs and services. To achieve this, we foster connections with community agencies, coordinating tailored wraparound services for our target families. Simultaneously, we aim to foster a strong partnership with child welfare, youth employment, justice, and education systems to ensure positive experiences and outcomes for our members.
We develop outreach materials, workshops, learning series, and resources for the members of Suradway Parents Association. These efforts are aimed at providing support and resources related to determinants of health, clinical counselling, psychotherapy, food support, housing support, and employment services to members who need them.
Our goal is to foster a sense of belonging and resilience in our members. We accomplish this by connecting families and celebrating the strengths and talents within our membership.
Achievements
- Launched a soccer program for Somali children
- Expanded support beyond sports to holistic services
- Developed outreach materials and educational workshops
- Established partnerships with various social systems
- Fostered resilience and belonging among members
- Launched comprehensive range of counseling services
- Developed a network of supportive parents
- Facilitated positive parent-youth relationships
Our Team
Abdirizak Mohamud
Abdirizak is one of the founding members of a local soccer program in Ottawa that was developed by a group of parents who wanted to provide their children with the opportunity to play soccer. What started out as a small soccer program has almost tripled in size since its inception in 2014. It was through this program that Abdirizak and other parents could see that there were other gaps in services and supports for families in their community. Not one to shy away from a challenge, Abdirizak jumped in along with other members of the community and began providing families in their community with a safe and culturally appropriate space when they were facing a difficult situation. Abdirizak has worked hard to formalize their services and supports and in 2018 the Suradway Parents’ Association was born. What began as a small soccer program has now evolved into an organization offering a variety of supports to Somali and East African families in Ottawa.
Abdirizak holds a Bachelor of Arts and Social Service Worker Diploma.
Abdirizak is one of the founding members of a local soccer program in Ottawa that was developed by a group of parents who wanted to….
Fowsia Hussein
Fowsia Hussein is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of Early Childhood Educators. She loves to create an environment that is inclusive, and conducive to the well-being of every child. She is proficient in the areas of developing play-based curriculum, performing formal observations to assess learning in children. She possesses excellent communication skills and easily relates to parents and children. She is a strong advocate for families and their children in the education system.
Fowsia Hussein is a Registered Early Childhood Educator with the College of Early Childhood Educators. She loves to create an environment…
Mohamed Aden
Mohamed Aden has over 15 years’ experience in various governmental and Non- governmental organizations including advising government ministries, State governments, Agencies and Commissions in both nationally and internationally.
He holds BA in Public Administration and Governance and a Master of Education. He specializes both community and educational development
Mohamed Aden has over 15 years’ experience in various governmental and Non-governmental organizations including advising government….
Hodan Farah
For over 12 years, I have been working within various communities in the Ottawa region, gaining a deep understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. As a mental health therapist at centre Le CAP , I have chosen to embark on a unique journey by actively engaging in the growth of both Francophone and immigrant communities.
My professional approach places a strong emphasis on collaboration and building solid interpersonal connections with clients, families, support networks, and involved professionals. I believe that this approach fosters an environment conducive to mutual understanding and the constructive resolution of mental health-related challenges. My commitment to enhancing community well-being remains at the core of my work, and I am eager to continue positively contributing to the lives of the individuals I serve.
My professional approach places a strong emphasis on collaboration and building solid interpersonal connections with clients, families, supp