Somalia has lengthy confronted challenges comparable to civil struggle, terrorism, financial hardship, poor schooling, and restricted job alternatives. Regardless of these obstacles, Somali youth—who make up 65% of the inhabitants—are taking part in an important position in overcoming these difficulties and serving to their nation rebuild.
Some of the impactful youth-led initiatives driving this transformation is the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Program (YEEP) Somalia, which focuses on peacebuilding and neighborhood improvement.
A Youth-Led Effort for Peace and Growth
As a youth-driven group, YEEP empowers younger Somalis to actively form the nation’s future. Via consciousness campaigns, expertise improvement, and countering extremism, it equips youth with the instruments wanted to deal with the nation’s challenges.
This initiative was established by means of a partnership between the United Nations Workplace of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and TUBSAN, Somalia’s Nationwide Counter-Terrorism Centre for Stopping and Countering Violent Extremism. Younger folks from all areas of Somalia have obtained coaching on peacebuilding, significantly in countering extremist teams, with help from UNOCT and TUBSAN. The influence of this coaching has been rapid, as contributors have taken their information again to their communities to drive constructive change.
Elevating Consciousness on Terrorism and Nationwide Challenges
One in every of YEEP’s core efforts has been working large-scale consciousness campaigns on extremism and terrorism. Members of this system immediately have interaction with younger folks going through poverty, restricted entry to schooling, and financial hardship. Recognizing that sustainable options should come from inside, they encourage their friends to take part in politics, safety, and neighborhood improvement.

Moreover, YEEP is dedicated to creating instructional and improvement alternatives for younger Somalis, specializing in vocational coaching, instructional packages, and peace-related initiatives—every formed by youth-led efforts. These packages purpose to empower youth with the abilities and information wanted to handle the foundation causes of extremism and terrorism, comparable to poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. By equipping young folks with these instruments, it forsters a era able to driving constructive change and rebuilding their communities.
Countering Extremism: Youth Combating Again
A serious focus of the group is countering violent extremism. YEEP members actively have interaction with at-risk youth throughout Somalia, significantly these in susceptible conditions, to debate methods to withstand recruitment into extremist teams. Their message is clear: extremism isn’t an answer however a harmful drive that harms each people and society.
Via these efforts, younger persons are stepping as much as take higher accountability in peacebuilding and restoring belief inside communities. They’re dedicated to fostering stability and rejecting extremist ideologies that threaten Somalia’s progress.
Empowering Youth Via Abilities and Alternatives
Past peacebuilding, YEEP prioritizes offering youth with instructional alternatives and vocational coaching to assist them overcome important challenges comparable to unemployment and a scarcity of high quality schooling. Via focused coaching packages, it equips younger folks with the sensible expertise wanted to search out employment, enhance their livelihoods, and develop into self-reliant. Moreover, the group is working to supply monetary help that may empower youth to begin their very own companies, contributing to the nationwide financial system and fostering long-term stability.
Conclusion: A Technology Dedicated to Somalia’s Reconstruction
The efforts of YEEP Somalia symbolize a robust motion towards rebuilding the nation. Its members are desirous to contribute to a brighter future, understanding that peace, schooling, poverty discount, and job alternatives are key to Somalia’s progress.
With help from each nationwide and worldwide organizations, this initiative stands as a testomony to the potential of Somali youth. Given the correct alternatives and sources, younger folks can drive change, construct a peaceable and steady nation, and lead Somalia towards a affluent future.
Written by: Abdishakur Moalim Shiimaay – On behalf of the YEEP Somalia Crew