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MEDIA
To ensure young people can showcase their creativity and to furthermore develop the key communication skills.

EDUCATION
To assist students with appropriate academic guidance required for secure employment and prosperous future prospects.

CRIME PROVISION
To examine incidence of gang related issues in the Somalia community and relevance of anti social behaviour.

Defeat the stereotype is designed to educate and empower young Somali people and those living within and around Somali communities in order to support and prevent those that are becoming involved in violence and gangs. Campaign will provide mentors with vital advice, support, guidance and mentoring throughout the project duration and activities including workshops, forums, presentations and awareness sessions to discuss issues affecting both Somali and

wider communities in order to create common solutions to tackle barriers, realise individual potential and create opportunities for a positive future in the UK. Young participants will develop key communication skills through outreach work, discussions and interviews with a variety of people in their local area and use and develop their creative skills to collate evidence collected into produce reports, magazines and short films to

discuss relevant issues, raise awareness and share information. The Somali community is a considerably fast growing community in many London boroughs, to which many face many challenges around cohesive integration into the British system and culture. Many in the Somali community feel they are often misunderstood and stereotyped in media; our unique approach will enable young people to express themselves.

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Relevant Somal began as ten week piloted project at Lampton School, Hounslow to mainly help pupils with homework. We included second element of teaching the young people Somali cultures and histories together they found activities benefiting as students found took further interest in running workshops. They also participants hosted assembly to address their discoveries.

During the project planning process Relevant Somal engaged with feedback resource young and elder Somali community members and found that in many cases 1st generation Somalis felt unable to integrate into British society, which many felt was due to lack of information, guidance and access to appropriate services. Some suggested this has had a dramatic impact on young Somali's who face many challenges as they try to adapt to the British system often without any parental or family support. It became clear during discussions with those outside the Somali community that lack of understanding and media stories which often portrayed Somali youth as particularly violent and involved in a number of gang-related murders across London, that work needs to be done to change the current situation. During discussions among young Somali's they said that information is often not channeled to them, such as job opportunities, facilities and services available which made them feel worthless

and excluded from the local community. Others felt that they often had to live up to certain stereotypes created in the media just so other groups in the area wouldnt target them. It was clear through all the meetings & discussions held that the Somali community is greatly misunderstood by general society and in order to integrate successfully and create a strong cohesive community, the Relevant Somal project is needed to raise awareness, aspirations and create long- term opportunities for all involved. Relevant Somal Project is designed to engage and provide opportunities for those from within the Somali community and the wider local community in an attempt to empower and build community links. The project will enable those from the Somali community who are often unable to access current services to benefit from a project which aims to raise awareness, tackle barriers, provide opportunities and support in order to assist them in their successful transition into British culture and ability to

integrate fully with the local community, whilst retaining and celebrating their Somali culture and traditions. Relevant Somal will enable both younger and elder members of the Somali community and the wider local community to engage and work together to create relationships which will directly tackle tensions and create solutions to build a stronger community which. Those involved in the project will be given valuable access and support from a wide range of local people, groups and professions to enable them to identify and create opportunities, which will inspire them and allow them to create a better future for themselves and

I have always had a dream to ensure other Somali youth can share a media to express their views Mohamed Said Founder and Director of Relevant Somal

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1. Somaliland: Independence day celebration th The 18 May is the day when self declared Republic of Somaliland the northern region in war torn nation of Somalia celebrates their independence. A break away province with little international recognition against all the odds has managed to uphold peace and stability for over two decades. Once a British proclaimed state the cities and town across the country rejoice day with thousands of people coming together with red, white and green colors. Unlike neighboring nation the country has a stable, steady growing economy with new global investors and international partners. It seems Somaliland has number of reasons to celebrate with more country admiring the efforts to promote democracy. With all strengths Somaliland face number of obstacle with piracy, extremist groups and unsettled clan relations in eastern regions. Furthering the recognition has allowed whole range of movements to oppose the state and observers claim reason for Somaliland not gain full recognition is because little dialogue between Sothern leaders in Mogadishu. Other arguments suggest boarder alterations will cause regional conflict across Africa, countries imply displaced populations have notified African Union. Many Somalilanders feel st optimistic on the national 21 anniversary on keeping up progression and display true democracy. 2. End of the road for Transitional Federal Government rd The recent Somali London Conference on 23 February 2012 has confirmed August will mean the transitional factor will apply for current TFG. Heads of states discussed number issues regarding development in Somalia. However there has been emphasis on accountability and representative should be implemented from newly elected Federal Government. There have been various outcomes from the conference a central point was raised allowing the Somali people to choose a viable government to lead Somalia to next phase of establishing peace and development. Hilary Clinton Secretary

of State for United States said In particular we must focus on two dimensions, accelerating political progress and continuing security. Somalias road map is crucial to restore calm to the wider society as proven in capital Mogadishu normal population rebuilding their livelihoods after extremist group Al-Shabab withdraws. Chair of conference and British prime minster David Cameron spoke optimistically of encouraging a prosperous Somali in foreseeable future he mentioned Somalia, I believe is within reach, of a new Somalia; this involves all Somalis and ultimately a new government, truly accountable to demand and properly representative to all Somali region in essence the new path to help Somalia to overcome the conflicts. With aid efforts from African Union peace keepers managing to force out Al Shabab out of Mogadishu to bring reestablish civilization, as results a UN resolution passed veto to increase troop from 12 000 to 17700 efforts to put the group into retreat. Leaders with delegations from all regions of Somalia for the first time came together to discuss their concerns landmark in recent past. 3. Greek Closure Fleeing conflicts to seek refuge elsewhere is known to have heavy costs to migrants but the worst being the absence of Human Rights. Most Somali migrants on root to Europe aim to end up mainland Germany, Netherlands or far as Sweden and Denmark but essentially end up going through nations like Greece. Greece legislation has tough immigration policies, an issue that face thousands of Somali trapped and not allowed to earn a living. This has caused Somali Diaspora globally to raise concern but European legislation states immigrants must remain to whom the nation they entered as Somali community struggles in Greece new pressure groups are emerging.

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Somali community have casted their concerns regarding British political representation to contest on their behalf. Around 250,00 Somalis live in Britain yet many complain they should have grater voice in national politics and to raise their matters likewise to promote and familiarize citizenship in Somali community. To take an in-depth understanding of the issues politicians faces we spoke to youngest Somali Local Councilor, Cllr Awale Olad of London Borough of Camden. He gave us observation on why the Somali diaspora in Britain lack representation and what should be done to overcome these challenges. Cllr Awale Olad is the local councilor for Holborn and Covent Garden ward. He was elected 2010 at age of 25 years old. Making him one of the youngest councilors in Camden and the youngest councilor nationally of Somali origin. Once a student at King Collage he suggested one of the reasons why Somali lack increasing representation is the interest from younger candidates.

What does it mean to be a Local Councilor? The job of local councilor is to set strategic direction and agendas for local authorities weather its environment, planning, community safety or integrations equalities within the local area. Our role is quite varied in trying to determine how to improve the lives of local people. What concerns do you have as local Councilor? Well one of the main concerns I share and contest for since elected, is the outrageous cuts weve had to make due to the government budget, Nemours cuts in local funding therefore we had to reduce some services. This leads to redeveloping our approach in council and looking back at our manifesto. Putting all those concerns to one side, I realized our local residence had been impacted directly by the cuts Conservative & Liberal Democrat Parties was making. Weve been working hard to do our part for struggling families, as we must uphold the duties we owe to local people.

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What changes have you implemented regarding Somali community in your local area weather it being policing making or campaigns? I never though I would come into power or be part of group that comes into power in the local authority which immediately impacts the lives of the Somali community. Its always been about were the Somali people wants to be and Ive not gone to community groups because they are not widely representative of the entire people, but Ive actually listen to what the local people have to say and I understand they have besic requirements such to provide for themselves and their families. Reason why Somali community is misrepresented, is due to us coming from refugee backgrounds, we dont hold much stake in this country and therefore we dont have hardly any individuals with real wealth we are quite new community which means naturally we would be bottom of the ladder. One of the remarkable aspects of our community is that we want to do better for ourselves, we want to achieve better and in saying that one obstacles is integration. If there is lack Integration you see many people not doing well in society yet this all part of integration, which is not exclusive to the Somali community. Ive been approached by countless Somali people wanting partake in business entrepreneurial gene and a lot of people have told me they would like to risk new business ventures, they want to be given opportunity so they can become net contributors to the economy. Is their issue with Somali community regarding culturally integration in British society? Well, Our Prime Minster believes multiculturalism is failed, I personally believe integration has failed and we have to bring forth policys that may force people into integrating. Although this goes back to the notion of what does multiculturalism or integration imply? With Integration its more about understanding how society works, being able to learn how different people and being able to apply your ethics and background to society. Our problem is not that we dont particularly integrate but fundamentally we dont know how to integrate which Borough of Camden recognizes. Im not sure weather they have succeeded but Im convinced its a long-term process.

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went from being a community thats hands on to hands off attitude because parents fear authorities such social service disrupting their childs relationship. I always say its easy to get a child to recognize the goals you envisage for them but whats harder is to see the young person become that someone. In regards to that young person being employed especially from the Somali can be challenging. There is a studies saying a person thats ethnically black is six times less likely to get job and someone whos a Muslim is eighteen times less likely to get a job so from that Im guessing Somalis are Why does Somali community lack twenty four times less likely to earn national representation such as Somali themselves a job. If we as community want MP? to reach those goals we must be more competitive in education and parents must I understand its parliament role to reflect invest in young people. society but I dont believe we should solely looks after the interests of one Are their any signs of new youthful Somali community. If MP was to be elected advocate in Local Councils? correctly you must look serve everyone who you represent in the constituency No I dont, unfortunately, I see the elder but shouldnt champion one cause but generation want to become more involved. however there should be a MP as Speaking as the youngest councilor from a respective of the Somali people this might pool of five councilors throughout the UK. allow Somali community to integrate Its quite astounding that today how we further and prevent being marginalized in lack in British politics and lack of young society. This individual must be Somalis taking interest. Recently Im experience, wise and fully integrated so pleased to see Rakhia Ismail to be the they can understand different aspects of Labour Party candidate for Holloway ward British society. So in conclusion he or she at Islington which will make her the first needs to be versatile by taking wider female Somali councilor also Tower Hamlet approach on issues like foreign policy, elected Ahmed Omer became first Somali economy and education. mayor which was landmark but more ceremonial triumph, so there is signs How can Local Councilors assist Somali emerging. But downfalls exist with wider Youth? Somali politicians as little, in fact no What we as can do as local councilors communication some councilor I firmly can specifically do is identify those issues believe there is need for more interaction and we understand concerns like the as I was briefly speaking with Dr Abdullah misuse of illegal drugs. I think we can Guiled a Councilor at Ealing and Ahmed solve such problems by tacking issues Ibrahim from Southwark. we should early on by support parents taking more introduce and facilitate a Somali councilors authoritative approach; although today forum which can benefit wider diaspora you have parents being less involved. We

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OVER TWO DECADES HAVE PAST, Civil destruction befallen, millions died and lack of law in order but the real question remains for Somali people, additionally will peace and development resurface. Somalia has witnessed agony, conflicts and tyrant dictatorship. Since the fall of ruler Mohamed Siad Barra, warlords anguish the public, new pro terrorism groups (Al-Shabab) take command of large districts of capital Mogadishu, AU forces now function to restore glimmer of stability. Off land fishermen turn to piracy over disputes with global industries using coast to dump waste. All key factors proving for Somalia is moving towards the wrong direction to be a sovereign prosperous nation. Looking at the short conflicting history of Somalia there seems to be to strict leadership up against blame for the destruction of our beloved nation. Former Somali Dictator Mohamed Siad Barre, he established nationalist socialism where he elected a Supreme Council and worked hard to produce a booming Somali elite on the international stage. Along the road he made horrific errors as he managed to run an intimidating regime, cause conflicts between clans and disturb Islamic teaching across the country. He may have made a significant step to cause tension but how has a whole country not distinguished their differences. 1993 Battle of Mogadishu indicates the outcry by the citizens because of the power cage Barre built. Artificial borders are becoming more real as northern regions such as Somaliland hope to gain recognition. Somaliland has a stable democracy in place, mutual relations with neighbouring nations and effective security. Putland has political objectives to defeat piracy as it rapidly escalating. Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed has legislative powers at transitional federal government with international support. These current substantial progresses have had little impact on re-promoting peaceful calm. This could largely be due to lack of dialogue between regional leaders. The geographical separation indicates colonial differences but social barriers do also exist. International interference gave war criminals the excuses to commit atrocities and worst violence on streets across Somalia. In 1974 the Soviet Union gave Somalia an estimated $345,000,000 in military support. This encouraged Barre to run the military powerhouse and eventually used against northern movement such as SNM. This investment by Soviet Union to create mutual friendship was going to play vital tool of the collapse of Mogadishu. At 1993 the UN and US set up a task force, Restore and Hope to aid the pandemic famin swept across Somali but more importantly Maguidushu. Many rebels accused the US of wanting steer to add to the intensity of conflict others disagreed. Particular rebels representing General Farah Aidid were looting, raping and fight heavily. Along with regional identity and clan affiliation becomes embedded culture. Negative impressions can be visual so confusion so interior relations could not transpire. Some cultural analysts blame tribalism for lack of innovation in Somalia. Most probably social and physiological influences had impact but didnt the goodwill between fellow national men endure. How could political oppression of Siad Berra indent the coherence across the country?

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FIRST EDITION - JUNE 2012

Many observers suggest a weak welfare state alongside a corrosion of family life in Britain has taken ambition away. Newly adopted legislation wants to extend age of school leavers to 18 and have asked for this to be implemented along with more mentor schemes, which ensure students reach their full potential. On the other hand, some young people feel they dont have the essential interview skills needed as they have never been taught and can only rely on partial work experience obtained in secondary school. Ali Hersi, 19 said The two week experience during year 10 for me was not helpful, yes I learned to trade but I no practical employability skills a remark shared by others. Another noteworthy point raised by Ali was the fact that employability skills are essential for all workplaces. As new policies are implemented, the government acknowledges that the international market for jobs is highly competitive as firms are globalizing their existing brands. In addition many employers from emerging global markets require applicants to overcome language barriers; as a result schools are introducing foreign languages as a key subject in the curriculum. Teachers are having to relay useful information to students in order for them to benefit when they get start to work. In different jobs, many employers are concerned with training up applicants to acquire a position that differs between private and public sectors as it is well documented that there is more challenging views in the private sector as employees are assessed more diligently. However employees from public sector are judged on cooperation that has become obstacle for young applicants to grasp. A whole range issues are obviously occurring, high unemployment rate is evidently effecting youth in Britain but more importantly the government is taking several methods to raise the concern as a financial analyst suggested it can become systemic and could directly effect the economy in years to come. The clear link in endorsing more entrepreneurship is valuable to allow young people to display their key skills A whole range issues are obviously effect unemployment is effecting youth in Britain but more importantly government is taking several methods to raise the concern as financial analyst suggest it can become systemic and directly effect the economy in years to come. The clear link in endorsing more entrepreneurship is valuable to allow young people to display innovative products

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Donate to the Mo Farah Foundation recently established by Mo Farah. The foundation is in the process of building 10 water wells in Southern Somalia An inactive set up by Somali born athlete to give back to his homeland during 2011 famine that has killed thousand of people and wildlife across Somalia. For more information visit www.mofarahfoundation.co.uk

Favorite long distance runner Mo Farah is tipped to secure gold for Great Britain at 2012 London Olympics. He has elevated his performances over the past few years with classy and determination winning records, which will hopefully result in uninterrupted success many imply culminating in a gold at London 2012. Unlike most athletes he was born in war torn Somalia and migrated to the United Kingdom at the tender age of eight, he fled the conflict and tried to live a normal life here in Britain. His raw potential in long distance running was discovered by sports teacher Alan Watkinson at Feltham Community College who had faith in him and his abilities from the very begging. With a whole array of lucrative sponsorship deals M o is always portrayed a humbling character looking to improve, to add to his achievement some analyst say new coached by Alberto Salazar will improve performance and great facilities to run for the Nike Oregon Project. Mo Farah has become an advocate for British sports, which allows the Somali community to celebrate his achievements and hopefully result in more Somali youths with potential in sports to follow Mos footsteps. Many praise Mo with his goals of improving his performance and stronger mentality to win and achieve the better, his most recent milestone was achieving the gold in the 10,000-meter European Athletics Championship, thus highlighting Mos capability to perform on world stage.

Culminating in him receiving 3rd place in the BBC Sports Personality of the year 2011. Not only grabbing attention within the Somali Community but around the world. As boy from Hounslow to international sports personality its obvious he will become a role model for Somali youth in particular as sports is taken seriously compared to other entities. Earlier this year he received an award from President Ahmed Silanyo from Republic of Somaliland. As the athlete he is making significant progress to help the general Somali community both here in the UK and back in Africa.2 Now living in Oregon, United States having previously lived in west London Mo has become a star of international stage. During his busy training schedules he spends large amounts of his yearly calendar in high altitude training conditions at Kenyan mountains, therefore traveling is a big part of his sporting career. Mo is a committed family man with wife Tania and daughter Rihanna whose move to the US has allowed him to use training state of art facility whilst spend more family time. Likewise a Somali heritage Mo Farah himself has realized that he is an ambassador for millions of young people he needs to support his homeland. He has since he set up the Mo Farah Foundation to provide food aid to needed places around the horn of Africa.

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We have created an online platform for young people to communicate We have three main sources of online communication Facebook, Twitter Account and Website. We are have committed team working to update these online platforms so join our online community use this facility thats available for your n eeds. We aim to

utilize new media and connect with young people to ensure they have a viable platform so their views are heard. We have made significant strides in video production so that w e can interact with youth our Youtube channel will promote debates and open discussions.

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