Still work to be done on ground to keep youths out of trouble

for the young people to start to engage them so that they don’t fall into the wrong hands.

I also managed to set up teaching volunteers, which we placed into the local schools.

While in Kismayo, I had discussions with local government leaders, some of them former schoolmates of mine who are now MPs in the Jubaland Regional Government Assembly, who said to me that they would welcome any effort from international aid and development agencies.

I also talked to Somali diaspora communities and other organisations and individuals who want to help us back on our feet and would provide whatever help they need to be able to do their job locally.

My visit to Somalia led to the Somali Community of Greater Manchester setting up HornEmpower – a Community Interest Company (CIC) in Manchester, Kenya and Somalia to help deliver some of the above programmes in Kismayo to help local communities.

We believe local communities have the power to find their own solutions for their own problems in the long-term.

In the meantime, all we have to do is make this happen for them in an environment where they can think and work freely and encourage them to strive toward that goal. Young people in Kismayo are prone to radicalisation by groups who take advantage of their plight.

Sasca’s friendship club for the elderly

SOMALI Adult Social Care Agency has received an award from the Big Lottery fund to set up for older Somali people friendship club in the community. The club will provide them with fitness sessions and one-to-one counselling, as well as providing support with physical activities to help reduce isolation for Somali elders and iunprove their health and wellbeing.

Anyone interested in joining the club should ring 0161 227 7966 or email info@sasca.org.uk