In last four months, people in the Middle East, North Africa and East Africa have protested for change and change for good. There have been revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Oman, Yemen, Sudan, Djibouti and most needed place in the world Somalia. The protestors have shared in social media such as Facebook, Twitter to organize and raise awareness on many different pages on the internet. Nevertheless, truth be told, many Somali people have been working day and night to bring changes to East Africa particularly in Somalia. These youth are Somali-Americans who are sick and tired of Hunger, Chaos, Genocide, and lack of communications and education that is taking place in Somalia today.
Exactly two years ago from today on March 31, 2009, three young Somali adults met in a parking lot, where one of them was an employee and other two were parking their car. These gentlemen discussed Somali issues and how they could bring changes instead of just talking about it just like everyone else.
At this place, they came up with the name United Somali Alliance, Inc. (USA) which is now United Somali Youth, Inc. (USY) in order for them to bring their own revolution. As a result, United Somali Youth became a youth-driven non-profit organization founded in Boston, Massachusetts with a local mission and a global vision. The three young Somali men who founded USY had same visions toward Somali Youth and their future. They are Said Ahmed, Former United States Track Star and currently Boston Public School Counselor, Salmaan Abdullahi, a student at University of Massachusetts Lower and MagicTech business owner and Hashim Siraji a student at University of Massachusetts in Boston. USY has grown due to its progressive engagement in the Boston community thanks to its board, supporters, members, staff, families, friends, and everyone who has contributed to United Somali Youth’s success over the years.
The purpose of this corporation is social change through education and awareness. Its focus is to build bridges within the Somali community educationally through organized forums and discussions.
· To promote youth activism, leadership, development, and empowerment through youth employment programs and activities/workshops
· To prevent crime and drug abuse through the development and facilitation of year-around academic tutoring and mentorship for at-risk youth, promote peace through advocacy in media
· To create non-academic socially appropriate activities and programs for Somali youth and others such as amateur sports.
In April of 2009, USY started an outreach to other Somali community-based organizations, which provide culturally and linguistically appropriate services to refugees in Greater of Boston area and to Somali businesspersons and professionals. In June 2009, United Somali Youth, Inc. reached out to all the high school seniors of the class of 2009 to celebrate with their unforgettable moment. At the end of June, United Somali Youth, Inc. with RIAC (Refugee & Immigration Assistance Center, Inc.) co-sponsored and hosted their first ever-annual Somali Independence Week. In June, July and August of 2009, United Somali Youth decided to contribute their time and energy to youth special Middle and High schools which they had a lot of success with it. In September, USY started after tutoring and weekend events that are open to all ages.
In summer of 2010, USY was able to hire 15 high school students. They presented activities about Somali culture, history, and most importantly their religion. They had identified programs that they need to focus on this summer and throughout the year:
The aim of our organization is to help Somali youth transition properly into American society in general and Boston in particular. Our outreach methods include:
- Sports leagues in basketball and track
- After-school tutoring and homework-help classes
- Civic participation seminars
- Job preparation
USY provides kids ages between 6-18 a safe, engaging and reachable activities that keep them busy throughout the year and which is academic enrichment driven as many Somali parents are not able to help their kids with their homework.
- Training in leadership and violence prevention for Somali young adults
- Engage support from all parents and communities’ leaders
- Involvement towards working with non Somali Girls
- Empowering girls and women through education and self-defense
- Discussions about girls needs in Boston, and steps toward success
- Creating culturally sensitive activities that increase participation
- Ongoing education throughout all created programs due to a lack of early education
- Fitness and wellness activities: Track and field, Basketball, swimming, soccer, etc
- After school tutoring in all subjects for MCASS, SAT and ACT
As United Somali Youth celebrate their second year of existence, they are encouraging Somali youth around the world to get out and seek solutions. You can bring the change you wish to see in Somalia if you work hard and believe yourself like Said, Salmaan and Hashim. Become a member of United Somali Youth. They will appreciate any support you can give.
