Somaliland: Study of Youth and Propensity towards Violence

Mercy Corps published in November 2016 the results of a recent study in Somaliland titled "Critical Choices: Assessing the Effects of Education and Civic Engagement on Somali Youths' Propensity towards Violence."

The study sponsored by USAID and conducted at 60 schools in Somaliland concluded that giving youth the ability to participate in civic engagement activities alongside formal education fulfilled a common desire to do something positive, meaningful and impactful. Addressing this need is one way to steer youth away from a path towards violence. What matters to youth is not just having an opportunity to learn, but also being able to use their capabilities to achieve their ambitions and shape their future and the trajectories of their communities and nation.