In a world where stories shape societies and silence feeds injustice, the Youth Creative Project (YCP) stands as a potent reminder that every young voice matters. YCP is Digital Shelter’s flagship program designed to unlock the creative potential of Somali youth by equipping them with multimedia skills to document realities, amplify hidden stories, and advocate for meaningful change.

But it’s more than just a training program.

YCP is a movement nurturing the next generation of storytellers, journalists, human rights defenders, and community builders. It bridges the gap between what youth learn in university and the practical, people-centered storytelling needed to drive social engagement and civic participation. While degrees prepare them for the job market, YCP equips them for life, to question, document, reflect, and inspire.

Earlier this June, Digital Shelter officially launched Cohort III with a warm and inspiring first meetup in Mogadishu. The session brought together the newly selected participants, Digital Shelter team, and partners for an interactive kickoff, marking the start of a four-part monthly meetup series that complements the technical courses.

This year, the project saw overwhelming interest with over 300 applicants competing for a place. Following rigorous written applications and interviews, 22 talented young individuals were selected to join the journey.

Now in its third year, YCP has become a trusted platform for Somali youth passionate about making their mark through creative expression. Its core components include:

• A two-month Photography and Videography course delivered in partnership with Somali Digital Media Academy (SODMA).
• A month-long Blog Writing course conducted in collaboration with the Somali Public Agenda (SPA).
• Monthly Meetups that create space for reflection, networking, and strategic growth.

But beyond skills, YCP is about purpose. It targets aspiring civil society actors, journalists, activists, and young people passionate about social justice, empowering them to connect their technical knowledge with advocacy, community storytelling, and civic action. In Somalia today, powerful storytelling is not just art; it’s activism.

The first meetup featured Mohamed Daud Ciise, a graduate of YCP Cohort I and an accomplished young writer and reviewer who writes about stories, films, and creative works. Mohamed’s journey reflects what YCP aims to instill: confidence in one’s voice, dedication to craft, and the courage to stand up for the truth.

Mohamed shared how writing is both a creative and civic act, a form of resistance against injustice, and a way to preserve language, culture, and history. His words resonated deeply with participants, reminding them that:

• Writing is a tool for advocacy and resistance, mainly where freedoms are restricted.
• Great writers are great readers, and learning from others sharpens one’s voice.
• Preserving the Somali language is urgent for cultural continuity.
• Writing is not just a passion, it’s also an influence and an income source, creating networks and opportunities.
• Creativity takes time, like a bamboo tree; the strongest growth happens beneath the surface first.

Participants asked insightful questions about building writing habits, engaging audiences, and weaving creativity into advocacy work. Mohamed encouraged them to start documenting their journeys now, because every small post builds confidence and presence.

He reminded them that whether they advocate for environmental conservation, women’s rights, youth empowerment, or peacebuilding, their words have power. And that power is needed now more than ever.

The Journey Ahead

This first meetup laid a firm foundation, combining technical skills with civic responsibility, creativity, and community building. As YCP progresses, Digital Shelter remains committed to nurturing Somali youth not only to master digital tools but also to use them to create change, build bridges, and write the stories that matter.

Because in the end, it’s not just about learning to take better photos or writing more eloquent blogs. It’s about learning to see the world with clearer eyes and to tell its stories with courage and heart.

Authored by Digital Shelter Team
As part of the Youth Creative Project (YCP) initiative.