What was the initiative?

Faduma developed the foundation for an interdisciplinary health network in Ottawa’s Somali community. She conducted interviews with key stakeholders in the community, held group meetings, attended community wide forums, functions, and other relevant events, conducted research on the development of networking platforms, and developed resource lists and documents to be used in the development of the network. Her fellowship culminated with the development of a steering committee for the network, as well as the acquirement of funds to hire on a full-time project coordinator based in Ottawa.

What was the community connection?

Faduma was a member of the Ottawa Somali community, where she was also born. She spent her undergrad and graduate school years learning more about issues impacting the community, and her years studying interdisciplinary health sciences at the University of Ottawa exposed her to the notion that solutions are best made through concerted efforts.

How was it innovative?

The Ottawa Somali community is a relatively new community in Canada, and although there is a large population of Somalis living in the city, many people have long felt disconnected from members of their community and their respective work. Attempts to address community wide issues have long been fragmented, and in developing a comprehensive, interdisciplinary network consisting of a range of stakeholders, it was Faduma’s hope that for the first time, issues could be addressed in a more collaborative manner.

What is Faduma doing now?

Faduma is currently enrolled in the Midwifery Education Program at Ryerson University. This four-year program will enable Faduma to become a Registered Midwife, working at the community level with women throughout their pregnancy, labour, and post-partum period. Midwifery takes an inherently person-centred and collaborative approach to health care; her fellowship experience has been instrumental in helping her understand how best to work within teams to develop solutions that are tailored to individuals and their respective communities.