Somalia has long faced challenges such as civil war, terrorism, economic hardship, poor education, and limited job opportunities. Despite these obstacles, Somali youth—who make up 65% of the population—are playing a crucial role in overcoming these difficulties and helping their country rebuild.
One of the most impactful youth-led initiatives driving this change is the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Program (YEEP) Somalia, which focuses on peacebuilding and community development.
A Youth-Led Effort for Peace and Development
As a youth-driven organization, YEEP empowers young Somalis to actively shape the country’s future. Through awareness campaigns, skills development, and countering extremism, it equips youth with the tools needed to tackle the nation’s challenges.
This initiative was established through a partnership between the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and TUBSAN, Somalia’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism. Young people from all regions of Somalia have received training on peacebuilding, particularly in countering extremist groups, with support from UNOCT and TUBSAN. The impact of this training has been immediate, as participants have taken their knowledge back to their communities to drive positive change.
Raising Awareness on Terrorism and National Challenges
One of YEEP’s core efforts has been running large-scale awareness campaigns on extremism and terrorism. Members of the program directly engage with young people facing poverty, limited access to education, and economic hardship. Recognizing that sustainable solutions must come from within, they encourage their peers to participate in politics, security, and community development.
Additionally, YEEP is committed to creating educational and development opportunities for young Somalis, focusing on vocational training, educational programs, and peace-related initiatives—each shaped by youth-led efforts. These programs aim to empower youth with the skills and knowledge needed to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism, such as poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. By equipping young people with these tools, it forsters a generation capable of driving positive change and rebuilding their communities.
Countering Extremism: Youth Fighting Back
A major focus of the organization is countering violent extremism. YEEP members actively engage with at-risk youth across Somalia, particularly those in vulnerable situations, to discuss ways to resist recruitment into extremist groups. Their message is clear: extremism is not a solution but a destructive force that harms both individuals and society.
Through these efforts, young people are stepping up to take greater responsibility in peacebuilding and restoring trust within communities. They are committed to fostering stability and rejecting extremist ideologies that threaten Somalia’s progress.
Empowering Youth Through Skills and Opportunities
Beyond peacebuilding, YEEP prioritizes providing youth with educational opportunities and vocational training to help them overcome significant challenges such as unemployment and a lack of quality education. Through targeted training programs, it equips young people with the practical skills needed to find employment, improve their livelihoods, and become self-reliant. Additionally, the organization is working to provide financial support that will empower youth to start their own businesses, contributing to the national economy and fostering long-term stability.
Conclusion: A Generation Committed to Somalia’s Reconstruction
The efforts of YEEP Somalia represent a powerful movement toward rebuilding the country. Its members are eager to contribute to a brighter future, understanding that peace, education, poverty reduction, and job opportunities are key to Somalia’s progress.
With support from both national and international organizations, this initiative stands as a testament to the potential of Somali youth. Given the right opportunities and resources, young people can drive change, build a peaceful and stable country, and lead Somalia toward a prosperous future.
Written by: Abdishakur Moalim Shiimaay – On behalf of the YEEP Somalia Team
