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I got invited on Thursday 16th August, to a youth
exhibition which took place and organised by “SOYDEN”, a youth Educational assignment
aimed at young Somali youths who have been traumatised by the 2 decades of war
and unrest in Mogadishu. Osman Moalin, the Executive Director at SOYDEN arranged
for me, and 2 other guys I know from London, to give out a lecture or a
confidence building talk to the youths in a scheme named “Youth 4 Change”
funded by USAID and UNDP.
From the moment we walked in, all we could see was 200+
young Somali youths in full buzz, who this time last year, where in the streets
of Mogadishu carrying AK-47s doing robberies, roadblocks and caught up in
street gangs. Fast forward a year the youths have already learned how to read
and write, built their social skills and integrated with rival gangs who they couldn’t
see eye to eye with before. For me personally, it was a privilege to be able to
be given the time to get collectively involved with the youths who share the same
culture with me but have grown up in a difficult environment.
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Osman introduced us to the gathering and from go; I was
eager, just as the youths were, to get involved. They started throwing all sorts
of questions, “Is it really cold in UK? How long have we stayed there? Why did
we come back? How do you feel about Mo Farah? Are they ispaaro (a Somali term used
to describe roadblocks by guys with AK-47s)? What is life like back in UK?” on
and on. Without hesitation, we went straight in with the answers and it was creating
a whole euphoria around the whole hallway. Teachers, staff, UNDP members and
even some security service personnel, with their Ak-47s where giving us their focus.
It was a magic moment and a whole new environment for us Diasporas. We loved
every minute of it.
The questions kept coming, and we
kept answering. So on to a degree where it felt as if we all knew each other. I
could not believe that we had only all just met. I was fascinated about the
fact how much warmth and full attention they have given us. They were just as excited as we where to be
with them.
When the time was up to conclude
the Q/A, we had to chance to talk to some of the youths individually. To my delight,
we exchanged facebook details and took some pictures together which I would
cherish my whole life.
We left the centre with full pride
and absolute pleasure to have been given this momentous privilege to be invited
and see the progress Mogadishu is going through.
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This experience has left me really
emotionally joyful and I felt great satisfaction for every member involved in
the programme. Whether it’s the Director Osman Moalin, who must be recognised
for his tremendous effort and non-stop commitment, the teachers, staff or the
students, I am sure this experience has left a mark on us all, somehow or
someway.
Mogadishu’s youth are finally
realising their ability and talent. With centres like this, it will give them
the foundation and platform to enhance their talent/ability to full maximum.
Mohamed Hassan (Dj)
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