Dear Fellow Somalilanders,
I’d would like to announce the great news of the launch of the Somaliland Youth Alliance Of North America, (SYANA). We are an alliance of young adults spread around North America (USA and Canada) who hail from Somaliland. Some of us haven’t had the opportunity to see Somaliland, some don’t speak the language, but since our parents came to North America within the last 20 to 25 years, we have strong connections there. Among the reasons for setting up this organization is to one day go there and take part in the development of the country and the people. Why development? Because Somaliland is still recovering from the brutal war imposed on its people by the former dictator of Somalia which left the country in ruins and its citizens fleeing to all over the world. The dictator and his soldiers may have gone over 20 years ago,but the effects of the war still linger and are visible among the people and the country. Somaliland, now a democracy, isn’t a recognized by any nation which makes its recovery from the war slow. However, the people have shown amazing resilience and willingness to rebuild their country. The spirit of the people, including its youth, wherever they may be, is all time high as evidenced by the recent May 18th celebrations held by Somalilanders around the world.
How can we help Somaliland?
Most families here in North America regularly send money to relatives back home. Many also travel home in the Summer and they help the local economy by spending their money. That in itself keeps the economy going and contributes to the development. However, among the Somaliland expatriate, there are those who take their knowledge and help the less fortunate ones including the sick and the poor. This is what inspires us to follow their footsteps and one day travel over there as teachers and doctors, and do our part in helping reconstruct not only the country but also the society’s recovery from the lingering devastation of the war.
Our objectives are not limited to just helping the country, but include the desire to establish links with the youth over there and learn more of the culture that we have not had the opportunity to learn first hand.
Who can join this group?
Literally any one who shares our objectives. You don’t have to be a Somalilander, and you don’t have to have any links to the country. Our organization is open to all people.
Please Visit our links at
www.somalilandyouth.com
www.facebook.com/somalilandyouth
www.twitter.com/somalilandyouth
Robleh Maxamud Lafcanbe
Founder/Chairman
lafcanbe@somalilandyouth.com
Toronto, Canada
