Stories of Change: AFSC Fosters Peace, Cohesion, and Healing in Somalia
Stories of Change: AFSC Fosters Peace, Cohesion, and Healing in Somalia
Building Just and Sustainable Peace
The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) https://afsc.org/programs/kenya-peaceful-youth-communities Somalia program is working to create a better future for youth and communities. Its core focus is on promoting just and sustainable peace.
The program strengthens conditions for peace by protecting civic space, promoting healing, and upholding human dignity. It achieves this through nonviolent conflict resolution, trauma healing, peace forums, and social cohesion initiatives.
Youth networks and other partners play a central role in advocacy and dialogue.
Supporting Displaced and Migrant Communities
AFSC also focuses on just responses to forced displacement and migration. Somalia continues to face poverty, drought, and conflict, forcing many to migrate. Refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs), and returnees often settle in Jubaland, including Dhobley, a key transit center for those returning from Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya.
AFSC supports migrants by helping them understand their rights and providing food, water, and shelter. The program also offers legal services, human rights monitoring, training, and humanitarian relief.
At Bosaso port, Somaliland, and border crossing points between Kenya and Somalia, AFSC provides lifesaving information and essentials for displaced people.
Why the Work Matters
Somalia’s prolonged conflict and weak institutions have created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Poverty is widespread, particularly in rural areas and IDP settlements.
The elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities are the most affected. By addressing these challenges, AFSC helps vulnerable communities find stability and hope.
Stories of Change: AFSC Fosters Peace, Cohesion, and Healing in Somalia
Impact Through Dadoki Project
With support from Brot für die Welt (BftW), civil society, and local communities, AFSC has made lasting contributions in Kismayo, Dhobley, and Dadaab refugee camps. From August 2022 to July 2024, the impact has been significant:
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Psychosocial Support: 1,457 out of 2,615 people received counseling, psychoeducation, therapy, and mental health awareness programs. Many reported real improvements in their lives.
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Social Cohesion: 1,850 out of 2,108 participants engaged in activities such as sports tournaments, youth exchanges, peace festivals, and community dialogues. They confirmed stronger bonds and unity within their communities.
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Civic Engagement: 923 youths took part in initiatives like garbage collection, water point repairs, road backfilling, anti-drug campaigns, and advocacy for better services. These activities showed youth leadership in community development.
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Peacebuilding Training: 60 youths were trained under the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) and Turning the Tide (TTT). They later trained 144 more youths, spreading messages against gender-based violence, drug abuse, and environmental neglect.
A Newfound Purpose: Sahra’s Journey
Sahra, a 33-year-old mother of six, had her life uprooted by the conflict in Mido, Somalia. Forced to flee, she found refuge in Hodan camp, Bula Kutur. Life there was a daily struggle as she relied on small jobs to provide for her family.
Securing food and basic needs consumed her energy, leaving little room for community involvement.
The arrival of food and non-food items through the AFSC-Dadoki project changed her life. With her family’s immediate needs met, Sahra could shift her focus from survival to engagement.
She joined the women’s group in the camp and became more active in peace dialogues and outreach sessions on nonviolence.
Her new stability allowed her to take on a leadership role. She organized and led discussions aimed at conflict resolution and community unity.
Through the support she received, Sahra gained confidence and became a meaningful contributor to peacebuilding.
For Sahra, the AFSC-Dadoki project was more than relief aid, it was a turning point. It gave her family security, restored her dignity, and renewed her sense of purpose.
More importantly, it empowered her to strengthen her community during a time of hardship.
Toward a Resilient Future
By combining psychological support, peacebuilding, and social cohesion, AFSC continues to transform lives across Somalia and Northern Kenya.
Its approach goes beyond humanitarian relief, it empowers individuals like Sahra to rebuild trust, foster resilience, and work toward lasting peace.
