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Grants >> Grantee Spotlight: Yamayska Foundation
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As Somalia continues to struggle to rebuild a state out of the anarchy that has persisted for the last 14 years, the need for a vibrant civil society and reconciliation among the many clans is critical. Since it was founded in 2001, the Yamayska Foundation has played a valuable role in resolving disputes among the people of Galkayo and the surrounding Mudug region. Using a traditional peace making process, known as the godad, and other tools of cultural significance, including poetry, Yamayska is increasing the understanding of democratic governance, human rights and conflict resolution in Somalia.
In a recent workshop, Yamayska brought together community elders from the two opposing sides of Galkayo to discuss the need for rule of law, good governance and ways to coexist peacefully in the area. Participants analyzed conflicts that have plagued the region and different approaches to peacemaking. They also discussed the benefits of good governance and ways that Somalia's traditional pastoral democracy could incorporate these concepts, and used case studies to understand the rule of law. Participants also looked at the role poetry had played in the civil war and reconciliation process. Somali culture is intensely oral; a written script was not introduced until 1973, and poets command enormous prestige in the society, since they transmit the wisdom of many generations. During the civil war, Somali women would often compose poetry to encourage their men in battle; however at a recent workshop, one participant composed a song calling for "the people of Mudug to choose between two: peace or eternal hostility." This was the first time such an attempt at reconciliation was made in Galkayo, and workshop participants praised Yamayska for taking the initiative. Yamayska will continue to hold such workshops, cultivating a culture of negotiation and democracy that will be critical to rebuilding Somalia. In 2005, Yamayska will use Endowment funds to host a series of workshops with community elders from the Mudug region to discuss their differences and highlight the virtues of good leadership, human rights, and causes of social mistrust. Yamayska will also hold meetings for local authorities, including the mayor and chief of police, to promote the values of peace and stability. Although efforts to mediate among Somalia's many clans at the national level remain fragile, a peaceful solution to Somalia's divisions could rest with an increasingly powerful and confident civil society, including groups such as the Yamayska Foundation. |
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