{"id":573,"date":"2024-03-26T10:00:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-26T01:00:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/accept-int.org\/en\/?post_type=report&p=573"},"modified":"2025-10-06T15:47:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-06T06:47:47","slug":"somalia-division-the-progress-of-youth-walking-toward-a-peaceful-somali-society","status":"publish","type":"report","link":"https:\/\/accept-int.org\/en\/somalia-26\/03\/2024","title":{"rendered":"Somalia Division: The Progress of Youth Walking Toward a Peaceful Somali Society"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Activity Reports<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n
\r\nSomalia Division: The Progress of Youth Walking Toward a Peaceful Somali Society\r\n<\/div>\r\n

\r\nMarch 26, 2024\r\n\"\"\r\n

\r\nThe Somalia Division is working not only to encourage defections from the armed group Al-Shabaab, but also to help surrendered or captured individuals go through a process of deradicalization and reintegration into society.\r\n

\r\nThis time, we would like to share the latest updates from our rehabilitation facility in Somalia.\r\n


\r\n 1. Hussein – Now an Agent of Peace<\/strong>\r\n

\r\nHussein (alias), from a region in central Somalia\u2019s Galmudug State once controlled by Al-Shabaab, was originally kidnapped and forced to join the group.\r\n

\r\nHowever, after witnessing the group\u2019s violence against innocent civilians, he began to question their actions deeply. Eventually, he surrendered and joined our rehabilitation center, where he participated for about a year in a comprehensive rehabilitation program – including care counseling, vocational and life skills training, basic education, and religious education.\r\n\"\"\r\n\u25b2 Hussein (in yellow) at the rehabilitation center<\/strong>, taking part in a traditional Somali dance activity.\r\n

\r\nAfter completing the program, Hussein successfully found employment as a soldier in the Somali National Army and is now serving as an agent of peace<\/strong>. He has already been deployed to the front lines and, as part of his duties, traveled 150 km to bring newly surrendered combatants to our rehabilitation center. Because of his own past experiences in Al-Shabaab, he can speak to them in ways that truly resonate.\r\n

\r\nHussein told us:\r\n

\r\n\u201cThanks to Yosuke (our organization\u2019s representative, Mr. Nagai) and everyone in Japan, I am who I am today. From now on, I will do my best to contribute to a peaceful Somali society.\u201d<\/em>\r\n

\r\nOur goal is not just to bring people from negative to neutral, but to believe in their limitless potential – to turn it into positives and create a virtuous cycle<\/strong> that leads to lasting peace and solutions that tackle the roots of issues.\r\n

\r\nWe are proud of Hussein, who embodies this mission, and we remain committed to supporting more individuals like him, people who will carry the torch of peace and help break the chains of hatred.\r\n\"\"\r\n\u25b2 Hussein now serves on the front lines<\/strong> as part of the Somali National Army.\r\n\"\"\r\n\"\"\r\n\u25b2 A surrendered combatant Hussein personally brought to our rehabilitation center.<\/strong>\r\n


\r\n 2. Graduation Ceremony for Youth Who Completed the Rehabilitation Program<\/strong>\r\n

\r\nThis month, four new young men completed their one-year rehabilitation program at our camp for former combatants and celebrated their graduation, just like Hussein once did.\r\n

\r\nThese youths had joined Al-Shabaab in the past due to threats to their families, pressure from relatives, or economic hardship. Through the rehabilitation program, they regained hope and expressed their aspirations for the future: \u201cto spend more time with family,\u201d \u201cto finally attend school,\u201d and \u201cto help with family work.\u201d<\/em>\r\n

\r\nAt each graduation ceremony, it has become a joyful tradition to look back and laugh at the \u201cbefore and after\u201d photos from the day they surrendered to how far they\u2019ve come today.\r\n

\r\n\u25b6 Learn more about becoming an Accept Ambassador<\/a>\r\n\"\"\r\n\u25b2 A joyful moment at the graduation ceremony<\/strong>, with bright smiles all around.\r\n


\r\n3. Heartwarming News from the Rehabilitation Center<\/strong>\r\n

\r\nFinally, a little heartwarming update:\r\n

\r\nMany kittens have recently been born at our rehabilitation center! They are loved by both the youth participants and our staff, and interacting with them brings everyone moments of peace and comfort.\r\n

\r\nLearning to love and care for another living being is also a deeply meaningful step for the youth as they rebuild their lives.\r\n

\r\nPlease enjoy these photos of our adorable cats – we hope they warm your heart too!\r\n\"\"\r\n\"\"\r\n\"\"\r\nWe will continue not only our activities to break the cycle of hatred<\/strong>, but also share more small, heartwarming stories from the field. Thank you very much for your continued warm support.\r\n


\r\n To Our Readers <\/strong>\r\n

\r\nAll of these initiatives for the youth are made possible through your support, particularly from those who join as \u201cAccept Ambassadors\u201d<\/strong>, contributing from just 10 USD per month.\r\n

\r\nTo rescue more young people from violence, support them on new paths forward, and help resolve the roots of terrorism and armed conflict, we still need much more help.\r\n

\r\nWe hope you will walk with us as an Accept Ambassador – to help break the chains of hatred<\/strong> and build a more peaceful future together.\r\n

\r\n\u27a1 Become an Accept Ambassador<\/a>\r\n\r\n<\/a>
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