Description
Ka Joog began with an idea, a vision and a dream to build a strong support network for Somali youth in Minnesota. The underlying theme of this support network is the pursuit of higher education and instilling that goal in the youth at a very young age.
Ka Joog is a Somali term for "stay away." In this context it is meant to encourage Somali youth to stay away from drugs, violence, radicalization, or other negative activities. Instead, we are focusing youth toward higher education, civic involvement, and volunteer commitment to the community. Ka Joog helps Somali youth understand their options and make the right choices. We provide positive outlets through the arts and other media. We encourage the youth to share their talents and enjoy the opportunity to experience the talents of others.
Ka Joog has always deeply rooted the ideology of empowering our youth, socially, politically, and economically through sports, arts, and education. Thriving under the banner of actively changing our society for the better, we have set precedence in uplifting our youth to strive for greatness.. We provide a platform and venue for their voices and their positive engagement with the community. Through workshops, help with employment, guidance in education, and mentoring relationships, the mission of Ka Joog is to motivate our youth to attain higher education while promoting and building community ties by providing beneficial events throughout the Twin Cities area. Founded in 2007, Ka Joog has received multiple awards and accolades throughout our young history, including the national award - FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the Youth Leadership of the Year Award by the City of Minneapolis, Community Appreciation Award by the Somali Community of Minnesota and Most recently in October 2013, congress honored the work of Ka Joog by placing Ka Joog in U.S. Congressional Records.
