For over two decades, chaos violence and deserted streets have defined Somalia’s capital. But now a different story is emerging. A new government has been elected, construction is booming, and international flights are bringing back international business.

However, thick debris still marks the city, insecurity is ever-present, and sanitation is a serious health concern. One group determined to make a permanent difference are the “City Volunteers”, a group of young Somalis committed to encouraging communities to change Mogadishu.

It is estimated that over 70 per cent of Somalia’s population are under the age of 30, making youth empowerment a significant step in the country’s development. Supported by IOM’s Transition Initiatives for Stabilization programme, the Mogadishu City Volunteers are developing a sustainable leadership model. The City Volunteers has between 60 – 80 members, but has mobilized over 400 young volunteers.

Volunteer Ali Mohammud* has lived most of his life in Mogadishu. The 26-year-old student said he was inspired to take action after seeing a young child urging an older man to stop throwing garbage in the street. “The boy told the older man it wasn’t right. He was very respectful and patriotic. That is when I thought, ‘If he can do it, why can’t I?’”

 “I always dreamt of doing good things for my people, but the problem was I didn’t know where to start?or who to ask for support,” added volunteer Leyla Hassan.* The group has been working tirelessly to restore the city to its former glory. Their activities, which involve community awareness, garbage collection, and organizing key national events, such as “Peace and Culture Day”, have received critical acclaim from around the city. Thought of as a sustainable leadership model, the volunteer group has engaged communities across Mogadishu on the importance of health and peace through radio shows, songs and plays.

Sahra Isse*, a mentor of the City Volunteers, says: “Their work is inspiring a new generation of young leaders who come up with creative solutions to the country’s problems.” And creativity has been at the heart of their work. This year, 16-year-old volunteer Omar Ahmed* came up with an innovative way to collect garbage by making dustbins from large powdered milk cans.

The Mayor of Mogadishu, Mohamud Ahmed Nur, says the team has left an indelible mark on the city: “The youth are an important force to reckon with and the Mogadishu City Volunteers are showing us just that.”

Meanwhile, the likes of Sahra and Omar are thinking of the next creative idea to make Mogadishu a better place. “I am working hard to see the city I always imagined,” said Leyla. “A beautiful and safer Mogadishu where I can walk through the streets without being afraid of anything.”

Transition Initiatives for Stabilization (TIS) is a USAID-funded, quick impact programme promoting peace in Somalia. TIS supports Somali-ownership and aims to build confidence and cohesion between government institutions and its citizens by improving public services. Under the TIS programme, IOM is implementing over 200 activities in Somaliland and Mogadishu.

*Names changed