INTS Major, Ali Abdi, to Present at Social Justice Program Event

Published: May 1, 2019
Ali Abdi
Women
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Young men
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INTS major, Ali Abdi, will discuss the Somali Organization for the Development of Youth and Education at the upcoming CU Denver Social Justice Program - Sanctuary and Solidarity in 2019: A Roundtable on Immigration Advocacy in Denver.  The event will be held Monday, May 6, 4pm in Student Commons, room 1401. Food provided, and all are welcome. Ali's organization is educating prospective Somali migrants about the dangers of the journey, and in his INTS Capstone class, he's spoken about getting the diaspora to finance local businesses and rebuild the country. Learn more at: http://www.sodye.org/

From Ali, "Sodye's goal is to promote great opportunities for youth. With access to the right resources, these people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfill their potential. We are a non- profit organization (501c3) that operates in Somalia and Colorado. We advocate for youth and women education and rights. What has driven me and in particular made me into an advocate for women's health in Somalia was my very own sister died upon giving birth due to the lack of medical attention. There are so many women in Africa who do not have access to health care and hence die with no care ----- for the youth, my mission is to educate Somali youth in Somalia and in the diaspora. Somali youth are the most vulnerable and they make up 70% of the Somali population. They are often radicalized due to the lack of guidance. Our goal is to inspire them through sports and education."

Participants:

  • Jeanette Vizguerra and Jennifer Piper, Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition
  • Sarah Jackson, Casa de Paz
  • Rebeca Zúñiga, Denver Justice and Peace Committee
  • Ali Abdi, Somali Organization for the Development of Youth and Education
  • Sarah Shikes, El Centro Humanitario

Beyond the national and global headlines regarding immigration – and in spite of rising hostility and revanchist rhetoric in the political sphere – communities around the globe are seeking to make a difference.  Our own community here in Metro Denver is no exception. This roundtable event will highlight the diverse grassroots efforts of activists and organizations in Denver to advocate for and support immigrants, both in our community and around the globe.  Local activists are supporting ICE detainees and their families, challenging family separations in the sanctuary movement, fighting for pay equity in the workplace, and seeking to educate prospective migrants in Somalia and Central America.  We will learn about these wide-ranging efforts, and you will have the opportunity to meet the participants and explore internship possibilities.

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