“Drop the gun and pick up the pen”

Elman Peace Centre is a non-government organization located in Mogadishu, Somalia that has since 1992 strived to promote peace and stability in the war torn country of Somalia. It was developed by a Somali engineer named Mohamed Ali Ahmed who was also recognized by the name of Elman. The aim of the Elman Peace Centre since its conception was to guide people away from violent conflicts and to lead citizens into a more peaceful and democratic state. To deter people from violence the Centre identified and implemented Community Development Projects that would attract citizens to engage in peaceful productive activities.

The Elman Peace Centre’s efforts concentrated on the poor but also greatly on youth especially child soldiers and the non-educated. The centre created courses and training beneficial for future careers which were available to all. Vocational training became a great attraction for youths wanting to escape poverty and violence but also for those wanting to begin their own families. The youth gained skills that were in great demand and enabled them to secure gainful employment.

Elman Peace Centre also promoted peaceful co-existence among Somalia’s war weary citizens and discouraged clan alliances understanding the rising rate of conflicts stemmed from clan associations. Clan friction was and currently still is an important issue that continuously provokes violence, hate and stereotyping. The centre presently continues to maintain a hard stand against clan violence while promoting peaceful conflict resolutions.

The Elman Peace Centre attempts to constantly present itself to the public through the media by sponsoring event and reaches out to communities by donating provisions. Building schools also allowed the centre to be involved in communities while at the same time encouraging the importance of public education for children. Orphans are encouraged to work by providing shoe polish kits rather than to beg to obtain sustenance. Continuous community involvement ensures a friendly relationship and understanding the centre is disposable to every citizen in need.

Since the early 1990’s the centre has taken on a leadership role unlike what was present at the time. Supporting human rights issues and the implementation of a peaceful state provided the citizens of Mogadishu with hope for a better future. Community outreach was maintained through promotions of awareness programs, the importance of education and the insignificance of clan alignment. Reaching out to the community through sports such as soccer and courses that discuss health, nonviolence, gender equality etc. have all made a great contribution towards reconstructing the city. The slogan of the Centre is “drop the gun and pick up the pen” and illustrates to people that peace can become a reality through education.

Finally, one of the success stories of Elman Peace Centre is the national soccer team named Elman Football Club which has represented Somalia in several oversea matches.