By Ali Abdurahman Sabrie
Founder, Orbit Solutions
I grew up in a single‑mother household, where strength was not a choice, it was survival. From an early age, I understood hardship, responsibility, and what it means to push forward when the odds are against you.
Like many others, I left Somalia in search of a better future. I spent years in Sweden trying to build a life, then moved to the United Kingdom for university, believing education would open doors.
But the reality was different.
There were moments of deep depression when everything felt uncertain. I lost work opportunities. At times, I felt judged not for my ability, but for the colour of my skin.
It was a difficult journey, one that could have broken me.
But it didn’t.
Instead, it forced me to reflect on who I am, where I come from, and what truly matters.
I realised that no matter how far I travelled, my purpose was always tied to home.
So I returned to Hobyo.
What I found was both painful and full of potential. A coastline rich in beauty, yet neglected. Communities facing environmental challenges with little support. Young people full of energy, but lacking opportunities.
I knew I could not stand by.
That is how Orbit Solutions was born; a youth‑led social enterprise built on resilience, action, and hope.
We started with nothing. No funding, no external backing, only belief and determination.
Since 2022, we have planted over 10,000 trees and carried out more than 100 beach clean‑ups. What began as small efforts has grown into a movement, led by young people who now see themselves as guardians of their environment.
But this journey is not just about environmental work.
It is about dignity. It is about reclaiming our future.
Communities like ours contribute the least to climate change, yet face its harshest consequences. Still, we rise, we act, because waiting is not an option.
My story is not only mine.
It is the story of a generation that refuses to be defined by struggle, and instead chooses to transform hardship into purpose.
Hobyo is just the beginning.
We are not the victims of climate injustice, we are the response to it.
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