In Somalia, “invisible wounds” keep people from engaging in collective healing. Instead society carries the burdens of trauma, with individuals and communities overlooking their own strengths and cultural resources.
Somalia today is impacted by deep conflict issues, chronic violence, inequality and cyclical injustices. Processes for widespread social healing are lacking. The turmoil leads to new conflicts, and protracted violence continues to impact the country and hamper the effectiveness of its institutions.
This healing-centred initiative will update a cultural and arts-based curriculum. Moreover, it will support community art exhibits in two regional towns providing safe space for youth and elders to explore the type of social healing they would like to see start in their communities.