- Together, we inspire, educate, and create opportunities for Somali youth to thrive in the Netherlands and beyond.
Building Futures, Strengthening Community.
Empowering Somali youth in the Netherlands to thrive through education, support, and leadership since 2001.
OVER ONS
Empowering Somali YouthBuilding a Brighter Future.
The Somali Youth Union in the Netherlands (SYUN) is a beacon of hope and a engine of progress for the Somali community.
Founded in 2001, we are a self-organized, grassroots organization dedicated to the empowerment, participation, and integration of Somali youth across the country.
We understand the unique challenges of building a new life, and we are here to ensure that every young person has the tools, confidence, and support to build a meaningful future and contribute positively to Dutch society.
Our Mission
To actively promote the empowerment, participation, and integration of Somali youth in the Netherlands.
We provide the tools for social, educational, and economic strength, helping them to build independent, fulfilling lives and become active, positive contributors to a multicultural Dutch society.
Our Vision
A future where Somali youth in the Netherlands are confident leaders, proud of their heritage and fully engaged in all aspects of society.
We strive for a community that is not just integrated, but is a thriving and essential part of the Netherlands’ social fabric.
- Our Core Programs
Our initiatives are designed to address the most pressing needs of our community. We provide a safe haven and a practical path forward, offering specialized support that understands the unique cultural and social context of the Somali community in the Netherlands. Explore our key programs below.
Debt Assistance & Prevention
We offer confidential, culturally-sensitive guidance to help you understand and manage your finances.
Our advisors work with you to create a sustainable budget, negotiate with creditors, and navigate official debt relief programs, providing you with the tools and knowledge to achieve long-term financial stability and peace of mind.
Parenting Support
Raising children in a new culture presents unique joys and challenges.
Our program creates a supportive community for parents, offering workshops and one-on-one advice on topics like bilingual upbringing, navigating the Dutch school system, and positive discipline, helping you build a strong, healthy, and happy family.
Domestic Violence, Abandonment & Forced Marriage
Everyone deserves to live a life free from fear and coercion.
We provide a confidential, non-judgmental safe space for victims. Our team offers emotional support, helps you understand your legal rights, and can guide you towards safe houses, legal aid, and other essential protection services.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
We are committed to ending this harmful practice.
Our work focuses on both prevention and survivor support. We conduct community awareness campaigns about the severe lifelong consequences and legal status of FGM in the Netherlands, while also providing a compassionate network and connecting survivors to specialized healthcare and counseling.
Employment
Building a meaningful career is key to integration and self-reliance.
Our employment program provides practical tools for the Dutch job market, including one-on-one coaching, CV and interview workshops tailored to local standards, and connections to our network of partner businesses for internships and job opportunities.
Education System
Unlocking potential through education is one of our core goals.
We help children and adults succeed academically by offering after-school homework clubs, tutoring, and guidance on school choices. For adults, we provide support with language courses (NT2) and accessing vocational or higher education.
Informal Care (Mantelzorg)
Caring for a loved one is a profound responsibility, but it should not lead to burnout. We support informal caregivers by offering respite, emotional support groups, and practical information on navigating Dutch care systems, ensuring that those who give so much are also cared for.
Street Harassment & Ethnic Profiling
We stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms.
For those who have experienced street harassment or ethnic profiling, we offer a platform to report incidents, provide legal guidance and psychosocial support, and actively engage in advocacy with local authorities to promote a safer, more inclusive community for all.
BEDRIJVEN DIE ONS HEBBEN ONDERSTEUND
Trainingen voor Jongeren
We bieden diverse trainingen aan voor jongeren om hun professionele vaardigheden te verbeteren en hun kansen op de arbeidsmarkt te vergroten.
Vrouwen Empowerment Project
Dit project ondersteunt vrouwen in de Somalische gemeenschap door middel van workshops en trainingen die hun zelfvertrouwen en vaardigheden vergroten, waardoor ze beter in staat zijn om actief deel te nemen aan de samenleving.
Zaalvoetbal
Ons project richt zich op het organiseren van zaalvoetbalactiviteiten voor jongeren van 17 tot 23 jaar. Dit bevordert hun fysieke gezondheid, teamgeest en sociale integratie.
Werkgelegenheidsproject voor onze Gemeenschap
Dit project helpt leden van onze gemeenschap bij het vinden van werk door middel van loopbaanbegeleiding, sollicitatietrainingen en netwerkmogelijkheden.
Community-Focused & Inspiring
SYUN Unity Cup 2026: Kicking Goals for Community & Cause.
Mark your calendars! The SYUN Football Tournament returns in Ramadan 2026, bringing together Somali youth from across the Netherlands for a celebration of sport, community, and shared purpose.
Since its launch in 2020, this annual tournament has been a cornerstone of our efforts to foster integration and ignite a spirit of leadership. It’s more than a game, it’s a platform that connects our diaspora youth to their heritage and empowers them to contribute to development and humanitarian efforts in Somalia.
In a tradition of inspiration, we are proud to host Somali leaders and officials who share their vision and motivate the next generation.
Join us to play, connect, and make a difference.
Building Community Through Action
For the past 3 years, SYUN has been at the heart of community growth, delivering a dynamic portfolio of projects designed to create tangible, positive change.
Our core mission has been to actively foster the participation and integration of the Somali community, empowering them to thrive within Dutch society.
It all started with energy and movement: we launched futsal leagues for youth aged 17-23. This initiative did more than just promote physical health; it built unwavering team spirit and forged critical social bonds, turning a sports pitch into a platform for integration.
These events became more than just games; they became a foundational pillar where young people could connect, develop essential life skills, and grow together in a safe and encouraging environment.
Our Gallery
