Mayor Stephen Mandel has offered some sage advice to the youths of Edmonton’s Somali community, says one young member.

“He just encouraged us. He said it was up to us now,” Mariam Abdi recalled.

“He said our parents are older. They did what they could to help us, but now it’s our turn to make a difference in the Somalian community,” he said during a break from handing out leaflets at the Somalian pavilion yesterday at the Servus Heritage Festival.

The mayoral pep talk came several days ago in the latest in a series of community meetings.

Source: SUN MEDIA

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Abdi, 23, was one of about 30 youth reps at the meeting that drew more than 100 people.

She said Mandel’s message was heard loud and clear.

“The reason we came to Canada was to make a difference in our lives and I think it has happened for most of us,” added Abdi, who arrived in Canada in 1997. “The ones that are stuck in the violence, we can help them.”

Last fall, four Somalian men under the age of 25 were shot and killed in Edmonton. Following the bloodshed, community leaders voiced frustration over what they felt was indifference from city police. That led to a series of meetings, including at least one with police Chief Mike Boyd.

The violence has apparently abated. And as Somalia makes its first appearance at the festival this year, it is hoped that the worst is behind them.

“Having this type of gathering shows a different side to the Somali community, that we have a sense of culture, a sense of origin and we’re also Canadians at the same time,” said Omar Abdullahi, a 25-year-old youth volunteer.

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