Somali Canadian Education and
Rural Development Organization
(SCERDO)
SCERDO:
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Is non- profit Registered charity organization which started its formal
operations on November 2, 1999 in Ottawa, Canada. Our current
headquarters are in Edmonton, Canada.
We are:
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Who we are
People who are interested in promoting and improving the quality of life for
Somali Canadians through education and community based projects.
Social activists, Computer programmers, engineers, economists,
administrators, educators, house wives, students and elders, who all share
one common bond; a sincere desire to make a difference to the lives of
marginalized immigrant communities, particularly Somali-Canadians in
Edmonton and elsewhere.
SCERDO Objectives
• The broad purpose of SCERDO is to promote the social and
educational needs for Somalis in Canada and Somalia.
• SCERDO advocates for the needs of Somali-Canadians in
terms of economic development, community enhancement,
environmental protection, and effective use of available
resources.
• SCERDO believes that education and community
development is a pre-requisite for the social and economic
development of Somalis at home and abroad.
Key Achievements In Canada
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In 2009, SCERDO, in partnership with Service Canada, undertook a youth
unemployment study in the Edmonton region. The research focused on the
underemployment of the Somali youth as well as their ‘at-risk’ nature and
subsequent propensity toward gang violence.
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February 2008, SCERDO implemented “BE PART OF THE WORLD” project
for the 18th anniversary for International Development Day sponsored by
ACGC & CIDA.
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In 2007, SCERDO initiated the Youth Multiculturalism, Leadership, and
Community Growth Program project. At its core, this is a youth leadership
project targeted towards high school aged youth in the city. The aim is to
build youth confidence and self-esteem by conducting a series of hands-on
workshops facilitated by luminaries from the community
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In 2006, SCERDO implemented Needs Assessment Research for Somali
Community in Edmonton. This helped to determine the social, educational,
and health needs of Somali immigrants who recently moved into the
Edmonton region from other provinces in Canada (as well as from Somalia).
Current Projects In Edmonton
Youth Action for Fostering Multiculturalism, Leadership
and Community Growth – the primary focus of this project
is on youth leadership skills
• Youth Mentorship – provide youth in high schools with
practical guidance in the form of mentors from colleges and
university across the city
• Affordable Housing Initiative – current initiatives by
SCERDO and partners to address lack of affordable housing
problem facing the Somali community in Edmonton
• Employment and Education Initiative – assess both the
educational and employment requirements of the youth and
seek means to provide meaningful solutions
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Youth Project Phases
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Community Understanding: to develop a clear understanding of the unique
needs and challenges facing Somali youth at-risk in Edmonton.
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Empowerment: to educate and empower Somali youth to overcome barriers
limiting their access to resources and opportunities, ensuring they build
confidence and self-esteem and develop leadership skills
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Public Education: to promote values of diversity, community,
responsibility, individual capacity and Canadian identity for all youth and
create an enhanced public understanding of the specific needs and
challenges of Somali youth.
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Institutional Engagement: to build a foundation and serve as a catalyst for
action and vibrant leadership for ongoing action and reflection to improve
the well-being of immigrant, particularly Somali youth and families, in
Edmonton.
What we have done
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Organized 68 workshops for youth on the topics of security and
public safety, social justice, civic education, leadership, as well as
employment and life skills.
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Worked with over 500 youths and their parents; currently working
with 37 youths, 16 of whom are at-risk Somali youths in Edmonton
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Provided youth with mentorship and guidance: dozens of workshops
facilitated by luminaries from the Edmonton community;
established mentoring relationships between youth in high schools
and those in colleges and universities
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Submitted a Business Plan to the Canadian Housing & Mortgage
Corporation (for seed funding) to have affordable (home-owner)
housing units built for qualifying families in the Edmonton Somali
community.
Our Youth: Future Leaders
Youth participating in the Leadership and Mentoring
programs. They include both high school and firstyear College/University students.
Youth workshop Sessions
Youth taking part in one of the ‘Stand Up and Lead’ sessions
Youth workshop Sessions (cont’d)
Youth taking part in one of the ‘Stand Up and Lead’ workshop
Youth workshop Sessions (cont’d)
Youth taking part in one of the ‘Stand Up and Lead’ sessions
Youth workshop Sessions (Cont’d)
Youth meeting a Somali-Canadian poet and hip-hop artist
‘K’naan’
Youth workshop Sessions (cont’d)
Youth taking part in the ‘Ignite Change Now’ conference
Key Achievements
In Somalia
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September 2009 – SCERDO submitted a proposal to CIDA to for the
construction & establishment of a Borehole in Northern Somalia.
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April 2008 - SCERDO started building 4 rooms for educating the young in
the city of Ceegaag, Somalia. The aim of this project is to provide youth a
place to go become productive by learning apprenticeship and trade skills
that will make them self sufficient citizens.
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May 2006 - 95 unemployed refugee youth (returning from camps in
Ethiopia) received employment and life-skills education in the form of
vocational training in Borama, Awadal region, Somaliland. Courses included
computer training, carpentry, auto mechanic, tailoring, and midwifery.
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In 2004, A new educational center in Burao was built and now provides a
focus to assist the district to promote initiatives that will help youth aged
15 to 25 become life long learners, productive workers and self-sufficient
citizens.
Vocational Training Academy in Somalia
Ms. Muna Deria & Ms. Naima Sharif, SCERDO youth leaders, on site in
Borama, Somalia
Group photo of Ms. Deria, teachers and students in the
program
Group photo of Ms. Sharif, teachers and students in the
program
Vocational Training Academy in Somalia
Global Hope Academy, school where carpentry and
computer courses were held
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Carpentry
Youth getting instructions from their teacher
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Carpentry (Cont’d)
Carpentry students getting hands-on practice on
wood cutting and angle measurements
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Computer
Girls taking a class on basic computer training as well
as more advanced Microsoft Office Suite software
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Midwifery
Outside View of Annalena Center, in Borama General Hospital,
housing the lecture hall where Midwifery training program was held
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Auto-Mechanic
Mr. Omer Giving Practical Lessons on Engines to Students of
Automechanic training program at Borama Automechanic Workshop
Vocational Training for Youth in Somalia:
Play!
Youth taking part in group exercise competitions
Construction of Youth Education Centre in
Somalia:
The construction site of the Youth Centre for Peace building
Burao, Somalia
Construction of Youth Education Centre in
Somalia (Cont’d)
The construction site of the Youth Centre for Peace building
Burao, Somalia
GET Involved!
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We want YOU to get involved!
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Volunteer with us: lend us a hand by donating your time and
expertise towards good causes
Become a youth mentor: for at-risk and marginalized immigrant
youth in Edmonton
Donate to SCERDO: we accept both financial and in-kind donations
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Established Somali & African Canadian professionals: become a
session speaker & share your success stories with our youth
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If you are NOT able to help us: please help a local charity in your
area and help make this world a better place for all people!
How To Contact Us
Address: 12052 Fort Road
Edmonton, Alberta
T5B 4H1
CANADA
Phone: (780) 491-0233
Fax: (780) 491-0212
Office hours: Mon-Friday
9am-5pm (Mountain Time Zone)
Website: www.scerdo.com
email: scerdo1@yahoo.com
scerdo@scerdo.org