Seven years into the journey of Soma International, we have now been able to obtain our official non-profit status!
This journey has been an integral part of our lives as students, working professionals, and as volunteers that believe in Soma wholeheartedly. Since 2012, we have been able to collect over 10,000 books, and have had generous donors supply us with their efforts and financial means. Through these efforts, we have been able to open two rural learning centers in Tanzania!
Pictures of our first library and learning center at Boko, Dar Es Salaam.
Pictures of our second library and learning center at Suwa, Handeni, Tanga, affectionately titled ‘Wanda Library’.
How did Soma International officially become a non-profit?
In August 2019, Mohamed met with the Blacksburg/Christiansburg Rotary Club to present Soma International updates and ask for their help in our endeavors. The club was impressed and inspired by our accomplishments thus far, and felt motivated to help Soma International’s progression. With the Rotary Club’s help, Mohamed was able to meet with a lawyer named Jim Montgomery. Jim generously donated his services to help Soma International get organized to begin the process of becoming a non-profit.
Three weeks later, we were notified of our status as a non-profit. We are incredibly excited about our new status, and we hope it will provide us with opportunities to grow in the upcoming year.
Soma International is incredibly grateful to the Blacksburg/Christiansburg Rotary Club and Jim Montgomery for everything they have done for us this year. Thank you!
Knowledge is boundless.
Writer: M. Cecilia Silva Montoya