Somaliland first lady visits Shalva, eyes similar center at home

Fardowsa Mohamed Roble toured Shalva’s National Center in Jerusalem on her first visit to Israel and said she wants to build a similar facility in Somaliland. The visit adds to growing international interest in Shalva’s disability care model, which has drawn more than 30 foreign delegations over the past year.

Why it matters: - Somaliland’s first lady is signaling interest in bringing Shalva’s disability-care model to her country. - A new center in Somaliland could expand therapy, education, family support and inclusion services for children and adults with disabilities. - The visit underscores how Shalva’s approach is attracting attention beyond Israel.

What happened: - Fardowsa Mohamed Roble, the First Lady of Somaliland, visited Shalva’s National Center in Jerusalem during her first trip to Israel. - She toured Shalva’s programs and met children, families and staff. - After the visit, Roble said she wanted to create a center in Somaliland inspired by Shalva. - The visit ended with both sides highlighting shared interest in inclusion and support for people with disabilities.

The details: - Shalva provides services for children and adults with disabilities from infancy through adulthood. - The organization’s services include therapy, education, vocational training, family support, inclusion programs and independent living opportunities. - Shalva said it has hosted more than 30 ambassadors, diplomats, delegations, groups and public figures from around the world over the past year. - The organization describes itself as an international model of compassion, professionalism and human dignity. - Founder and President Rabbi Kalman Samuels said the visit was meaningful and reflected Shalva’s belief that every child has infinite potential. - CEO Yochanan Samuels said Shalva would be honored to share its experience with Somaliland and other countries seeking to improve disability support.

Between the lines: - The visit suggests disability inclusion is becoming part of broader international engagement with Israel-based social service models. - Shalva is positioning its work as adaptable beyond Israel, not just as a local charity but as a framework other governments can study. - Roble’s interest points to unmet needs in Somaliland and a possible opening for cross-border collaboration.

What's next: - Shalva said it would be willing to share knowledge with Somaliland if the country moves forward with its own center. - The visit may lead to further discussions about training, service design or partnership opportunities. - International interest in Shalva appears likely to continue as more delegations seek to learn from its model.

The bottom line: - A high-profile visit from Somaliland’s first lady puts Shalva’s disability inclusion model in the international spotlight and opens the door to possible replication abroad.