Being a teenager can be tough no matter what. But imagine having the rug pulled out from under you, right when you’re figuring out who you are, your identity and purpose. That’s what young returned refugees in Kismayo face as they embark on a new life in the city.
At the Youth Center, ARC teams help make that transition just a little bit easier. With classes, vocational trainings, and simply a gathering place for new friends, the center helps to build up confidence and plant deep roots.
Over the past year, we’ve learned that there are incredibly talented young people who just want a chance to shine. One of the ways we help them do that? A performance club.
The members of the club perform all sorts of different things – comedy, dramas, singing, and traditional dancing.
For Day 90, we wanted to do something special for these kids who are working so hard to hone their skills and get up on stage…one night at a fancy performance hall!
“You would not recognize them just a few months ago,” said Zaila from the ARC team. “When they first arrived, many of them were so shy they didn’t even want to talk to you. Now, look at them – they’re up on stage!”
It’s incredible how an opportunity to be yourself and grow your confidence can change everything. In this small way, we could show just how amazing these young people are, and just how far they’ve come.
