The second annual conference organized by Edmonton Wellington Somali-Canadian youth which attracted more than 150 youth members was held on Friday, August 27, 2010 at the Africa Center (Old Wellington School). The conference is a yearly event that aims to bring Somali-Canadian university students and high school students together in order for them to inspire each other and learn from one another.

It was a wonderful event which engaged the youth and exposed them to numerous perspectives and expertise. The ultimate intention of the annual conference is to outreach to Edmonton Somali-Canadian youth and bring them together in order to educate them about their rights and responsibilities and to provide them with an atmosphere in which they can have fun and socialization.

Somali-Canadian Cultural Society of Edmonton and Wellington Somali Youth teamed up to realize the effectiveness of the conference. Somali-Canadian and non-Somali professionals spoke to the youth about different topics.

Dr. Ali Abdi, a professor from Education Faculty of the University of Alberta, spoke to the youth and urged them to continue their education until they succeed. He emphasized the significance of education and how Somali-Canadian youth need it most. He urged the youth members to be productive citizens to positively contribute to their community and to the wider Canadian society.

Similarly, Hassan Ali, President of Somali Canadian Cultural Society of Edmonton, talked to the youth about the importance of mentoring one another and staying away from inappropriate activities and places. He thanked community elders and volunteers who always put together projects that benefit the youth; he also thanked those organizations who have provided resources and expertise for the Somali-Canadian youth. Also, Mary Fiakpui, a program manager for Catholic Social Services, spoke to the conference’s participants; she urged the youth to take advantage of the resources that are available for them. She also thanked the Somali Canadian community and its leaders. Similarly, Amin Amir, a renowned Somali-Canadian artist spoke to the youth artistic careers.

The conference was an outstanding achievement, as it attracted and appealed to the Somali Canadian youth in Edmonton. Credit is given to youth leaders who organized the conference and made it a successful one. The conference will be held every year to benefit the community and its youth members.