 Somalia
Field of actions as a social entrepreneur
Human Security and Peace
Poverty, Social Justice, and Human Rights
Development Education and Communication
Your personal action/work and expectations for the future (Dream,
Action, Expectations)
Nasri Hussein Adam, is a Somali woman born and raised in Kenya.
When war broke out in Somalia in 1991, and Nasri was 22 years
old, she left her safe job as a bank teller in Kenya to work for
peace and demobilization in the coastal trading post of Merqa
in Somalia. Working first with women, she joined the IIDA Women's
Development Organization. The organization opened a center to
provide educational classes and skill training for women, ran
schools, and opened maternal and child health care centers. She
also trained the women in mediation skills, and together with
the women, opened a Peace Center. Through the Center, she was
involved in the recruitment of 150 militiamen and persuaded them
to trade in their weapons for classes in literacy, technical skills
and English in hopes of finding work other than as mercenary soldiers.
Nasri promised the men and boys that their weapons would be returned
to them any time they wanted to leave, and she personally helped
maintain the guns. All 150 militiamen stayed in the program. Some
have carried out community work in town after graduating. The
organization is moving on to create a Peace Center, which will
be complementary to the demobilization center. The Common Futures
Forum is a group of outstanding young people who have won legions
of awards, but Nasri lists only one - "Personally presented to
me by 150 militia men: a variety of bazookas, kalishnakovs, AK47s,
assault rifles, grenades, rocket launchers, and thousands of rounds
of ammunition."
Your personal definition of Social Entrepreneur
A person who initiates growth within their communities be it social
economic or political and is willing to commit their time/energy
to matters that are important to the community. A social entrepreneur
is an individual who always envisions positive change that creates
opportunities and overcomes challenges as well as taking risks
in promoting social change and especially politically. A social
entrepreneur works with local resources that brings benefits as
well as being involved in matters at both national, regional and
global. I perceive a social entrepreneur as an individual who
stands for the basic issues eg access to basic needs in life and
grows towards both economic and political e.g. as was clearly
portrayed by CFF members. Individuals who are not driven by self-interest
but for the good of their communities, being humble and having
the spirit to work with others and among people. Lastly, a social
entrepreneur is a special person/people who take pride in their
cultural, national backgrounds and merges this to the global common
issues but as yet remaining quite distinct....!
The useful suggestion that CFF member would give to all potential
& active social entrepreneurs
That if one gets an opportunity for education, good life and self-growth
then each person should want to offer this same chance to others
and especially the poorest ones. If you give, you always receive
more and don't focus on material aspects emotional and spiritual
well being is far more important. The best place to be in is in
our communities. "Learning from someone else makes you better
at doing or using the knowledge gained" (translated Somali proverb)
You learn the tricks and use it wisely! I would like to encourage
potential entrepreneurs to cultivate and encourage networks amongst
their age groups, with organizations as well as at a regional and International level. Through this the opportunity
to work with unity arises and makes matters better due to the
involvement, support and participation of many. To have success
in their work, strategic planning and patience is key but the
best ingredient is participation and direct involvement of target
groups in the decision-making process. "A person who has not worked
for something, tea is forbidden" (another Somali proverb which
means "no free lunch"!! A potential entrepreneur needs to seek
knowledge which is not only academic but to seek advice and good
relations with our elders and bridge the "generation gap" as was
the theme of the conference. And wisdom is passed to those who
are ready and willing!! |
