In all likelihood, conducting a Google search on ‘Somali Youth’ would produce ‘Terrorism,
Al Shabaab, Missing Youth, Piracy and Famine.’ Such is the state of most current depictions of Somali youth and their community in general. But of course, there is another more accurate perspective that the public should know about Somali youth. As I set aside sometime to reflect on the year that ended, I would like to express my gratitude for the admirable work Somali youth League of San Diego has done in 2011.

Faces Behind the Name:

Somali youth and their families are the newest refugees fleeing from violence and mayhem in the region of Horn of Africa who found refuge in San Diego. Over the past decade, the number of Somali refugees settling in San Diego has grown to more than 15,000, the largest Somali community in California and one of the largest in the nation. Attracted by the promise of San Diego’s booming job market in the late 1990s, as well as visions of familiar customs and companions, not to mention a desirable 70-degree-all-year-round weather, Somali families found San Diego an ideal location to consider rebuilding their lives.  But upon arrival, they find their lack of English proficiency and limited work skills are not marketable in San Diego’s largely science and technology-based employment market, which itself is struggling now due to the economic recession.

Somali youth have found themselves in the City Heights neighborhood, both by choice (due to proximity to cultural food etc) and circumstance (because of poverty); where they are also affected by higher rates of poverty and unemployment than any other ethnic or cultural group. Most conservative estimate indicate that as much as 80% of the Somali community in San Diego remains unemployed or underemployed.  For many who are in this circumstance, making ends meet is a daily struggle.

Members of the Somali Youth League are predominantly graduates from local colleges and universities. They are educated as scientists, teachers, nurses, social workers and engineers. Yet, with all these achievements they face formidable challenges in finding employment opportunities. Many are facing the same barriers that inhibited those who migrated to the US before them. Many are incarcerated disproportionally in a justice system where justice is based on who can afford most expensive attorney. In addition, they find themselves between two cultural values that are sometimes at odds, hence leading clashes with their parents.

Against these odds, these youth could have lost hope. Gangs and extremists could have taken advantage of their difficult circumstance. But despite these formidable challenges, members of the Somali Youth League of San Diego organized themselves to help their community in one of darkest moments of Somalia history. They created structured weekly meetings, they mobilized about 300 youth around a common cause, started car-washes to raise funds for the victims of the famine. They have travelled to Muqdisho to distribute food and clothes. They have collected over $ 30, 000 in this effort. Propelled by the severity of the Famine in the Horn of Africa and the economically and socially depressed conditions of the Somali Diaspora community, they have demonstrated extraordinary leadership quality.

One wishes that all Somali political leadership could glean a lesson from the selfless efforts and the heartfelt passion of these youth.  I had the honor of attending a few of their meetings. I am amazed by their energy and their optimism for their future—and their willingness to contribute positively to their people instead of ‘what’s in it for me and my clan’ attitude that currently dominates the current Transitional Federal government in Somalia. I applaud their optimism, which is desperately needed at a time when there’s so much nihilism in the Somali community. As their ‘Walk for Somalia’ event nears, I say Kudos to SYL San Diego! To support SYL San Diego and for more info about their effort of saving lives, please visit www.sylsandiego.com.

Hamse Warfa,
Email: hamsew@yahoo.com

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