On the 11^th, July 2011 Nabaddoon Yahya Foundation (NYF) had launched a fundraising event to support the children in Somalia for an access to primary education and peacebuilding skills. Most importantly, NYF is intended to re-engage with Somalia community in London about the problems facing Somali children and youth in Somalia.

This initiative led and organised by youth groups across London has brought together key Somali personalities from UK, Europe, Somalia and friends of Somalis.   Somali folklore dance team and performers from city of London presented traditional Somali story telling through a play depicting   challenges facing Somali children both inside and outside Somalia. Other artists presented live performances, Comedy, Poetry, Cultural Performances, and Drama. The event also brought the reality of plight of Somali children to audience. “I thought we  fully understood of how Somali children live but tonight I am overwhelmed by the presentation of NYF! What is happening to the future of Somalia!” Sahra Mohamed, one of the Somali parents attended in the fundraising event.

Mohamed Abdulkadir Yahya, who is the co-chairman of Nabaddoon Yahya Foundation (NYF) talked about the importance of Somali children and their education. “Future of any country depends on how they educate their children. We Somali people cannot contemplate a peaceful Somalia with the future of our nation (children) are shattered” Mohamed lamented “ it is the responsibility of every Somali to think about the Somali children, their education and their wellbeing,  peacebuilding cannot be separated from educations”

The Great liar,Jabril Ibrahim Abdulle who is the head of Centre for Research and Dialogue – Somalia (CRD), was key note speaker; he spoke passionately about the future Somalia and the indispensible role of Youth. “Youth accounts a sizable proportion of the Somalia population, 68% Somalis are under the age of 29 years old. Youth and children are trapped in a vicious cycle of violence, fear and poverty generated by armed conflicts which unfortunately eroded their potential for contributing to the country’s rebuilding” Jabril presented a powerful presentation on the possible role of Somali youth Diaspora in helping educate children in Somalia. “…. recent phenomena of social networking, surely, Somali youth can galvanize Somalis in the diaspora to support education projects and peacebuilding among children in Somalia.” Jabril has given the audience an insight of the struggle and suffering that young children go through everyday life in Somali.

Ilham Gassar a young woman who is one of the key organisers of the event challenged Somalis in attendance to step up to the plate and take responsibility of educating and advocating for disadvantage Somali children. She said, “….the fact that we live in peaceful countries and we have the best/ highest educational opportunities should compel us to also provide support for those who have no access to basic education. Education is right that should be advocated and supported”

Most of the participants discussed the need for change.  Ahmed Nur Abdulle who also spoke in the event talked about the mentality of the children/youth and how desperate they are for change.  

Nabaddoon Yahya Foundation (NYF) The Peace Institute for Somalia believes that peace and solidarity are the solutions to the problems in Somalia. Its aim to contribute to ending injustice and suffering; we tackle the problem from grass-root level through education and empowerment of the youth. NYF is guided in doing this by the provisions and principles of the convention on the Rights of the child.

The inspiration behind the establishment creator of NYF, Peace Institute for Somalia is (the life and work of) Abdulkadir Yahya, the peace activist, who was assassinated in July 2005.

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