Safe Places Are Our Foundation

Since the very first Club opened in 2010 with the purpose of giving local kids a safe place to go, safety has been the No. 1 priority of SYLS.

After all, safety is where it all begins. Our data shows that environments that are safe, positive and inclusive are essential for young people’s development. When kids feel safe, they’re empowered to learn, connect with their peers and explore their interests. At Somali Youth's, kids and teens can rely on a safe, consistent and welcoming environment where they can focus on what’s most important – being a kid.

The landscape of youth safety has drastically changed on our eyes . From public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic to the Internet’s impact on bullying and self-esteem, kids face new threats to their stability and well-being each day.

To meet the evolving safety needs of kids, families and communities, Somali Youth Zone of Calgary works continuously to enhance safety polies, practices,and trainings to ensure youth are safe and protected. Providing safe spaces for youth is our No. 1 job.

About Lucy’s Blue Day

Lucy’s Blue Day is about a very special little girl with magical hair. It changes color with her emotions. If she is feeling happy, it is purple. If she is jealous, it will turn green. This charming story is the tale of when Lucy wakes up and her hair is blue, and she doesn’t understand why.

Asking for help

"Your well-being is always the most important thing to take care of, particularly at times like this. It is okay to be upset now but remember that we’re all in this together, and there are always going to be people who will listen and who you can talk to".

Syls, your community

A Focus on Mental Health and Well-being

Somali Youth League Society has a strong focus on supporting Somali youth' emotional well-being and has some great advice for first approaching and starting after-schools.

What are some of the ways Somali Youth League Society' are currently supporting after-schools?

Somali Youth League Society supports two after-school programs (Elementary & High School) providing youth social care, peer support and mental health workshops. We deliver weekly, term-time Tea& Story Telling mental health sessions to the elementary students and peer mental health support to the High school students. after-school Safe Space area for students. Tea & Story Telling are fun and informal sessions where we make a (Tea) and (Story Telling) conversations with the children about their mental health and well-being. These workshops raise vital awareness and encourage positive mental health hygiene among the children. The Safe Space area in the local school is a after-school space for students who may be experiencing challenges to their mental health or if they just need a space away from other students at after-school. Syls provides peer support, activities and mental health literature to the students.

What have been the benefits of working with your after-schools - for both the school and the parents?

The benefits for the after-schools and Somali Youth League Society are improved, trustworthy relationships between all parties, the provision of emotional support to their young people and raised mental health awareness within the communities. I also believe that we are reducing some of the stigma that can surround our community.

We all need a bit of help sometimes. But it can be difficult to know how, or who, to ask. We look at some ways you can ask for the help you need.

Contact Office Hours

Address: 4-700 33 Street Ne Monday-Friday 10:00-4:00pmCalgary, AB, T2A 5N9 Saturday and Sunday- 10:00Am-10:30pmTell: (587) 353-syls (7957) Email: sylsofcalgary@gmail.com

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What do we know about our youths' talents, rights, and behaviors?

Do we encourage their positive goals and visions and rectify their flaws?