Mohamed Mukhtar Abdi

Who I Am

A Life Built on Service, Faith and Determination

I am Mohamed Mukhtar Abdi, widely known by my pen name Santooni. I am a humanitarian leader, HR professional, author, and the co-founder of Tusmo Youth Development Organization, one of Somalia's most active and recognised NGOs.

My journey began long before I had a title or an organisation. Growing up in Mogadishu, I witnessed firsthand the suffering of my community. Families displaced by drought and conflict, children with no access to education, and vulnerable people with nowhere to turn. That reality shaped everything I became.

My father, Sheikh Mukhtar Sheikh Abdi, taught me from a very young age that a person's worth is measured by what they give to others. At just 14 years old, I was already distributing dates at the mosque where my father served as Imam during Ramadan. That was my first act of service, and the seed that grew into a decade of humanitarian work.

With TYDO students · Mogadishu, Somalia

The Humanitarian Journey

From Mogadishu to the World

In July 2017, I was among the founding members of Tusmo Youth Development Organization (TYDO). As Head of Education Department and later as the second Chairman, I drove the programmes that transformed TYDO from a small volunteer group into a nationally recognised NGO.

Under my leadership, I scaled the Hiil Waxbarasho free education programme from 30 students to over 1,500 beneficiaries. I also led the Ramadan Iftar programme to serve over 15,000 meals across eight consecutive seasons, and organised nine consecutive Eid clothing distributions for displaced and orphaned children.

Turkish Zakat Distribution · Mogadishu IDP Camp · 2022

IHED Germany

Leading Field Operations Across Somalia

As Regional Head of South and Central Somalia for IHED, I led teams on the ground during some of Somalia's most difficult moments. I coordinated emergency relief, managed international partnerships, and ensured that aid reached those who needed it most.

IHED Field Operations Team · IDP Camp, Somalia

Education and Youth

Teaching is the Most Powerful Form of Service

Of all the work I have done, the moments I treasure most are the quiet ones. Sitting on the ground with a child, helping them sound out a word they have never read before.

By the time the programme had been running for several years, over 1,500 students had passed through our classrooms. Orphans and displaced children who would otherwise have had no access to education at all.

Helping a child write · Hiil Waxbarasho Programme

With students at the Hiil Waxbarasho programme under the TYDO banner

Reading together with displaced children

Community and Celebration

Every Child Deserves to Celebrate Eid with Dignity

For nine consecutive years, I have ensured that orphans and displaced children do not experience Eid as a reminder of what they have lost. Instead it becomes a celebration of who they are.

In 2022, we held our largest Eid celebration at Rihaam Hall in Mogadishu. Hundreds of children arrived to find a hall decorated for them, gift packages, and a celebration that many of them had never experienced before.

Eid Celebration · Rihaam Hall, Mogadishu · 28 April 2022

Public Voice

Speaking for Those Who Cannot Speak for Themselves

Whether in interviews, academic writing, or community gatherings, my message has always been the same: Somalia's recovery will be built by its own people, and young leaders must step forward now.

Somali Cable TV Interview · Mogadishu

Professional Journey

From Somalia to Dublin

Academic Background

Education and Student Leadership

My Memoir

Help Shapes the Future

Written under my pen name Santooni, this memoir chronicles my journey from a 14-year-old boy distributing dates at his father's mosque in Mogadishu, to leading one of Somalia's most impactful youth organisations.

Key Achievements

A Decade of Impact in Numbers

I believe Somalia's future will be built by those who stayed, served, and refused to give up on their people.

Whether you want to collaborate, partner with TYDO, or simply connect, I welcome every conversation.