The Full Story
About Omar Mohamed
Omar Mohamed is a Somali-born humanitarian, author, and refugee advocate who spent over 15 years of his childhood in the Dadaab Refugee Camp in Kenya after fleeing civil war in Somalia. Orphaned and separated from his mother at a young age, Omar took on the responsibility of raising his younger brother Hassan while pursuing his education under extremely challenging conditions.
Determined to give back, Omar founded Refugee Strong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering students in refugee camps through education, mentorship, and access to essential resources. His lived experience fuels his mission to ensure that displaced youth have the tools and support they need to succeed.
Omar is also the co-author of the award-winning graphic memoir When Stars Are Scattered, which tells the story of his life in Dadaab and has been recognized as a National Book Award finalist.
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Mission
Refugee Strong empowers refugee youth through access to education, mentorship, and essential resources. We believe that education is the key to breaking the cycle of displacement and building resilient, self-sufficient communities.
Vision
We envision a world where every refugee child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead - regardless of their circumstances. Through education and community support, we strive to nurture hope, dignity, and opportunity for displaced youth everywhere.
