05 January 2024: Cafis Organization has conducted  Training on Forgiveness and Peace Ambassadors in Somalia, the training held at Osman Gedi Rage School in Mogadishu, was a one-day program hosted at Sahafi Hotel. This initiative, launched by Cafis and VIKES, specifically targeted students.

The event saw the active participation of six students, promoting equal gender representation, including two from minority clans. Post- training, participants successfully applied the acquired skills, engaging in conflict mediation within their school environments. Notably, a short documentary film capturing the training and the subsequent conflict mediation activities undertaken by the students was produced.

Somalia has grappled with persistent challenges, including the clan system, discrimination, war and conflict, terrorism, and corruption. Recognizing the importance of addressing these issues and fostering a culture of forgiveness and peace, Cafis and VIKES initiated the training program. By targeting students, the program aimed to harness the potential of the youth as agents of positive change in Somalia.

Key goals of the training

• Empowerment: To empower students with the skills required to serve as ambassadors for forgiveness and peace within their communities.
• Conflict Resolution: Equip participants with problem-solving, reconciliation, negotiation, and forgiveness skills to address conflicts constructively.
• Awareness: Increase awareness and understanding of prevalent issues in Somalia, including the clan system, discrimination, war and conflict, terrorism, and corruption.
• Application: Encourage students to apply the acquired skills within their schools, actively engaging in conflict mediation and contributing to a more harmonious environment.

The one-day training employed a variety of interactive methodologies, including workshops, role- playing exercises, group discussions, and lectures. Facilitated by experienced trainers, Hassan Mohamed Dahir and Mohamud Ahmed Jimcale, the program engaged participants in practical scenarios, promoting active participation and the practical application of skills.

A short documentary film, accessible on YouTube, captures the essence of the program. It showcases the training sessions and highlights the student’s efforts in mediating conflicts within them, providing a visual representation of the program’s impact.

YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/9gUxp94Arh8