Author name: Marjolein Sileon

Somali Culture & Peace Weekend Festival 30 January to 1 February 2026 – Rotterdam and The Hague The Somali Cultural & Peace Weekend Festival is a cultural and social event aimed at promoting peace, dialogue, and social cohesion. The project strengthens connections within the Somali community in the Netherlands and encourages encounters and mutual understanding with other residents of Rotterdam. Young people play an active role as participants, co-organizers, and discussion partners. Through panel discussions, storytelling, art, music, and social gatherings, themes such as peace, identity, heritage, and living together in a diverse city are explored in an accessible and inclusive way. The project is organized in collaboration with SOMI and Verhalenhuis Rotterdam. More information can be found at:https://verhalenhuisrotterdam.nl/vr-30-jan-muzikale-somalische-volkskeuken-van-ali-naji/  

Fiidka Nabadda (The Peace Evening) Yahya Peace Foundation – Beesha Nabadda December 21, 2024, Hague, The Netherlands An inspiring, heartwarming, and promising event for the Somali diaspora in the Netherlands! On Saturday evening, December 21, 2024, the Yahya Peace Foundation organized a special evening dedicated to peace, Somali Children and Abdulkadir Yahya (Yahya). During this event, members of the Somali diaspora in the Netherlands, both young and old, came together to advocate for Somali children’s right to education. More than two hundred people attended the evening, where Beesha Nabadda officially launched the education campaign “Education First.” 1000 – children go to School All participants contributed by making donations for the children, and several attendees joined Beesha Nabadda as new members. Additionally, the Yahya Peace Foundation honored a few exceptional individuals with the Yahya Peace Award, recognizing their dedication and contributions to peace and education. More than eight renowned artists from various European countries, along with Somali politicians, made the evening truly unforgettable, filled with inspiration and unity. Looking ahead to our next event in the fall of 2025: A Somali Peace Weekend! We sincerely thank everyone who contributed in any way to the success of this special evening. Beesha NabaddaYahya Peace Foundation E – info@yahyapeacefoundation Take a look at some photos of the event to get a feel for the atmosphere!