After an intensive 12-week journey of growth, learning, and community engagement, 25 exceptional young people from our community have successfully completed the Sobjar Canada Youth Leadership Program. This milestone represents not just individual achievements, but a collective step forward in building stronger community leadership for the future.
Program Overview
The Youth Leadership Program was designed to empower young Somali Bantu individuals aged 16-25 with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become effective community leaders. The comprehensive curriculum covered essential areas including:
- Community advocacy and civic engagement
- Cultural preservation and promotion
- Professional development and career planning
- Public speaking and communication skills
- Project management and organizational leadership
"This program didn't just teach us skills; it showed us that our voices matter and that we have the power to create positive change in our community." - Sarah Osman, Program Graduate
Transformative Learning Experience
Each week brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. Participants engaged in interactive workshops, community service projects, and mentorship sessions with established community leaders. The program emphasized practical application of learned skills through real-world projects that directly benefited the community.
Key Program Highlights
Throughout the 12 weeks, participants accomplished remarkable feats:
- Community Service Hours: Collectively contributed over 500 hours of community service
- Advocacy Projects: Developed and presented 8 community improvement proposals to local government
- Cultural Events: Organized and led 3 major cultural celebration events
- Mentorship: Each participant was paired with a community mentor for ongoing support
Graduate Spotlights
Among our graduates, several have already begun making significant impacts:
Ahmed Bashir - Community Advocacy
Ahmed successfully advocated for improved public transportation routes to better serve the Somali Bantu community. His proposal to the city council resulted in the addition of two new bus stops in key community areas.
Halima Jama - Cultural Preservation
Halima launched a digital storytelling project, interviewing community elders and creating video documentaries to preserve oral histories for future generations.
Omar Hassan - Youth Engagement
Omar established a peer mentoring program for newly arrived refugee youth, helping them navigate the Canadian education system and connect with community resources.
Community Impact
The ripple effects of this program extend far beyond the individual participants. These new leaders are already taking active roles in community organizations, volunteering for local initiatives, and serving as role models for younger community members.
Program Director Mohamed Ali reflects, "What we've witnessed over these 12 weeks is nothing short of inspiring. These young people have not only developed valuable skills but have also discovered their potential as changemakers in our community."
Looking Ahead
The success of this inaugural cohort has paved the way for the program's expansion. Plans are already underway for the next cohort, which will begin in September 2025. Additionally, many of this year's graduates will serve as peer mentors for incoming participants, creating a sustainable cycle of leadership development.
Applications for the Fall 2025 Youth Leadership Program will open on August 1st. We encourage all eligible young people to apply and join this transformative journey of personal growth and community engagement.