Sowing Seeds for Peace in Somalia: Insights from the Generation Change Fellowship

I was thrilled to finally receive confirmation from USIP to participate in their Generation Change Fellows program after a three-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It Was an honour and a privilege to be selected as one of the Generation Change Fellows by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). As a young leader who works at the intersection of education, environment, and economic growth in order to sustain peace in Somalia, I was excited to join this program and learn from other leaders from around the world who share a similar passion.

On September 13th 2021, I flew to Dharamsala, India for the first time in my life. It was an incredible and memorable experience. The people, the program, and the place all exceeded my expectations. In just two weeks, I was able to interact, connect, and build bonds with over 25 fellows from Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia, all with a shared mission of pursuing sustainable peace in a fragile and conflict-affected world.

Dharamsala was the perfect location for the program. The combination of beautiful landscape, the calmness of the city, the ever-changing weather, the stunning double rainbow over the Himalayas, the Tibetan hospitality, and the life-changing conversations and dialogue made it a truly special place. The two-week program held in Dharamsala was truly remarkable. We all became a community, and we referred to each other as #MyPeople, a popular mantra in the program.

The Generation Change Fellows program is a competitive leadership development program run by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) that aims to empower young leaders from around the world who are working to promote sustainable peace in their communities and countries. The program was participatory, case-based, and analysis-driven, and includes interactive sessions, mentoring, and networking opportunities. I was impressed by the program’s relevance, interactive nature, and ability to foster personal growth. The USIP team and facilitators were highly supportive and made the experience enjoyable. Their contributions greatly impacted the program’s outcome.

One of the countless highlights of the program was the self-exploratory sessions. We wrote our “river of life,” purpose, and vision statements and reflected on the meaning of our lives. This exercise helped me rediscover my tendencies and re-evaluate my goals. Another memorable experience was the storytelling session, where we crafted our personal stories and shared them with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. The dialogue with His Holiness was truly phenomenal, and I will always treasure his genuine reflection on my story and the wisdom he imparted. It was a lifetime and game-changing opportunity.

On the last day of the program, His Holiness presented us with a gift, a copy of “The Book of Joy,” and hosted us for a delicious rice pudding dessert. The hospitality and launch by His Holiness were a great experience.

As I reflect on the program, I am filled with gratitude for all the incredible opportunities that have been presented to me. I am committed to carrying the torch of peace and development for a just, inclusive, and sustainable Somalia and beyond. I believe that the Generation Change Fellows program has equipped me with the skills, knowledge, and network to make a positive impact in my country and community. I hope to continue working with USIP and my fellow fellows to bring about sustainable peace in the world.

Finally, the Generation Change Fellows program was an incredible experience that I will always cherish. It has truly been a privilege to be a part of this program, and I look forward to staying connected with my fellow fellows and USIP as we continue to work towards a more peaceful world.