Somali Culture and Integration e.V. was founded in 2009 in Darmstadt, Germany, by Somali citizens who had sought refuge after the civil war and recognized the pressing need for structured support within the diaspora community. The organization was created to respond to the challenges faced by Somali families, particularly children and youth, in navigating the German education system and adapting to a new cultural environment. From its earliest years, SKI positioned itself as both a community anchor and a catalyst for integration, providing safe spaces, guidance, and opportunities for empowerment.

Over time, the association expanded beyond its initial educational focus to address a broader spectrum of social and developmental needs. Recognising that integration requires more than academic success, SKI introduced programmes that support women affected by harmful practices, promote intercultural dialogue, and strengthen community resilience. This evolution allowed the organization to grow into a multifaceted institution capable of addressing complex challenges facing Somali diaspora families while also forging stronger connections with host society.

SKI’s programmes today encompass education, health and nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and peacebuilding. Each thematic area is designed to address urgent needs while building long-term capacities that foster inclusion, preserve cultural heritage, and create pathways to opportunity. Interventions are tailored to local contexts, ensuring that Somali diaspora communities in Germany benefit from mentoring, training, and civic engagement initiatives, while communities in the Horn of Africa gain access to critical services and infrastructure.

The dual mandate of the association positions it uniquely as both a bridge and a builder. In Germany, SKI strengthens social cohesion by equipping families with the tools to thrive in a multicultural environment. In the Horn of Africa, the organization extends development support to schools, hospitals, water systems, and agricultural projects, linking diaspora solidarity with sustainable impact on the ground. This combined focus reflects SKI’s long-term vision of dignity, empowerment, and shared progress for Somali communities wherever they reside.