The Uplift Creativity HuB
The Uplift Creativity Hub supports young people who are passionate about art, music, film, photography and entertainment. It provides mentorship and peer learning sessions where aspiring artists develop
practical skills such as scriptwriting, drawing, music production, and storytelling with guidance from experienced mentors in their chosen fields.
Participants also learn how to showcase their work, promote their art, and turn their creative talents into sustainable careers. The hub helps youth see art and creativity not only as forms of self-expression but as
powerful tools for empowerment, inspiration, social change and economic opportunity..
This hub provides Art-as-Advocacy Grants to fund projects focused on positive social messaging.
The Uplift Talks
The Uplift Talks is a stand-up storytelling series that gives ordinary Somalis a stage to share their stories,
experiences, and ideas that inspire change. Through storytelling, comedy, and creative performances, the
series highlights the courage, resilience, and humor of everyday people whose voices are rarely heard. It
brings moments of empathy, laughter, and learning, reminding Somalis of their shared humanity and
collective strength despite years of hardship. Each session explores new themes of honest expression,
laughter, and connection, where people speak from the heart, reflect on their journeys, and imagine a
better future together.
Stories shared in The Uplift Talks that are inspiring, powerful, and deeply human will be published once a year in the Uplift Annual Year Book, with storytellers’ consent, so that these stories live on and continue to inspire future generations. The Uplift Annual Year Book will be launched each year through a public event celebrating the storytellers and their voices.
The Uplift Diaspora Engagement and Mentorship Program (U-DEMP)
The Uplift Diaspora Engagement and Mentorship Program creates a bridge between Somali women and youth at home and professionals in the diaspora to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and unlock new opportunities and perspectives for growth.
Through workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs, participants gain access to expertise from the diaspora in areas such as technology and digital innovation, entrepreneurship, governance, education, communication, public policy, financial management, leadership, and creative industries. This will inject advanced knowledge and help diversify skills, perspectives, and opportunities available to young people and women in Somalia.
The Uplift Resilience Hub
The Uplift Resilience Hub is a collaborative platform that brings together Somali advocates, artists, and emerging changemakers to strengthen both their leadership and wellbeing. It serves as a safe and empowering space where participants can share experiences, learn from one another, and build the confidence, skills, and resilience needed to sustain their work and impact.
Through workshops, peer exchanges, and expert-led sessions, participants develop practical skills in public speaking, storytelling, advocacy strategy, campaign design, media communication, and leadership.
The Hub also supports personal wellbeing and emotional sustainability through confidential discussions, mentorship, and digital safety sessions that help participants manage pressure, handle public criticism, and maintain balance in their public and personal lives. By combining learning, mentorship, and collective care, the Uplift Resilience Hub helps changemakers grow stronger, stay grounded, and continue driving meaningful change within their communities.
The Uplift Impact Awards
The Uplift Impact Awards celebrate courage, integrity, and commitment among individuals and institutions driving change and shaping a better Somalia through their actions and values. The award honors changemakers and unsung heroes whose work brings hope, uplifts communities, and inspires others to serve with dedication and purpose,
creating positive role models for young people and future generations
Key Award:
- Courage, Advocacy, and young visionary leader
- Community Service and Social Impact
- Arts, Culture and Inspiration Award
Award Categories
The award honors changemakers and unsung
heroes whose work brings hope
Community Service and
Social Impact
For citizens or groups making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable communities,
including displaced people, children, women, youth and persons with disabilities
Courage, Advocacy, and
young visionary leader
For women and youth who show exceptional bravery in speaking out against injustice,
violence, or inequality, and for emerging leaders who demonstrate integrity, promote
unity, and actively contribute to peace, dialogue, and national development. It honors
those who use their voices to drive positive change and inspire others to build a more
just and inclusive Somalia.
Courage, Advocacy, and
young visionary leader
For artists, musicians, filmmakers, and creatives who use their craft to inspire, educate
and unite people through storytelling and cultural expression.
