Mohamed Farah
This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. 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. The dream is to lead not only to a better life for American Somalis, but also to a greater and peaceful future for Somalia.
Mohamed Farah is the executive director of KaJoog. He helped found KaJoog in 2007, which means “stay away” in Somali, as a platform for youth to speak out against negative influences like drugs, violence, and radicalization. The non-profit provides programs such as Invisible Arts and The Takeoff to mentor emerging Somali leaders and create an environment for creative expression. Under Farah’s leadership, KaJoog has been recognized with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the Ninth Ward’s Youth Leader of the Year award. It regularly hosts conferences on issues affecting Somali youths and is working on expanding beyond its Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and Eden Prairie location.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)
Mohamed Farah is the executive director of KaJoog. He helped found KaJoog in 2007, which means “stay away” in Somali, as a platform for youth to speak out against negative influences like drugs, violence, and radicalization. The non-profit provides programs such as Invisible Arts and The Takeoff to mentor emerging Somali leaders and create an environment for creative expression. Under Farah’s leadership, KaJoog has been recognized with the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award and the Ninth Ward’s Youth Leader of the Year award. It regularly hosts conferences on issues affecting Somali youths and is working on expanding beyond its Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and Eden Prairie location.
About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)