History

The African Institute for Multidisciplinary Studies (AIMS) was officially established in 2018; however, the origins of the institute’s operations and philosophy can be traced back to the founding of the Somali Social Development Association (SOSDA) in 2012. SOSDA was established by visionary changemakers committed to community development through strategic interventions aligned with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which later evolved into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 17 Sustainable Development Goals, often known as the global goals, were adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 as a worldwide call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. To raise the awareness of SDGs and Contribute to the community, the association focused to work more on goal #4 which is education because it directly contributes to the goals of addressing poverty reduction and reduced inequalities, health and nutrition, economic growth and labor market opportunities, as well as peace building and the promotion of democratic institutions. This goal of quality education provides all learners with the skills they require to become economically productive and develop sustainable livelihoods. Thus, the association formed learning centers that educated over 5,000 students at various levels, from high school to university, from adults/parents to private sector professionals in collaboration with the University of Somalia and other local and international partners. In June 2017, a conference convened by the Association's Department of Community Engagement and Development discussed the importance of promoting and establishing an institution focused on higher education, offering programs tailored to industry needs and conducting research to address societal challenges. Following considerations, the Board of Directors approved the establishment of a higher education institution that would integrate academic programs with applied research to contribute to social and economic development. As a result, on September 10, 2018, the African Institute for Multidisciplinary Studies (AIMS) was officially founded in Taleh, Hodan district, Mogadishu, Somalia. The institute has been accredited by the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia, receiving its official registration under REF: WWHTS/XAG/01169/12/2018 on December 16, 2018. The institution was granted authorization to operate in the education sector in accordance with Article No. 54 of Somalia Civil Law No. 37 (issued on June 2, 1973).