Denden’s Journey

Celebrating Our Impact and Looking Ahead

Since its founding in 2005, Denden Youth Organization has been a cornerstone of community engagement and youth empowerment. Over the years, we’ve grown from a small soccer team to a multifaceted organization that nurtures both athletic talent and academic excellence, serving as a hub for Eritrean youth in Minnesota. As we look back on our history and reflect on this past summer’s achievements, it’s clear that Denden’s impact continues to expand, and we’re excited about where we’re headed next.

A Legacy of Growth and Resilience

Denden’s journey began in 2005 with youth soccer games, but it quickly evolved to include broader programming for the community. Throughout the years, we added new sports, such as basketball, while organizing major events like the 2019 National Sports Festival, which brought over 1,500 visitors to Minnesota. Denden also launched initiatives like the first annual graduation celebration and enhanced our youth programs with leadership opportunities, wellness surveys, and academic support.

However, like many organizations, Denden faced significant challenges in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We had to temporarily halt most of our events and activities. Despite these setbacks, the Denden community remained strong, and by 2021, we began planning for a full reboot. Our focus shifted to ensuring the organization could thrive post-pandemic, with a renewed commitment to excellence in leadership, financial stability, and operational efficiency.

In October 2022, new board members were elected to lead this charge. Since then, we’ve worked hard to strengthen our leadership, expand learning resources, and provide more support for academic success through programs like SAT/ACT prep and college readiness seminars.

This Summer’s Successes and Community Impact

This summer, we witnessed another wave of progress and community engagement. Our youth soccer team reached the semi-finals, and the basketball team made it to the finals, continuing our tradition of athletic excellence. Off the field, we saw increased participation in academic and cultural initiatives, such as Tigrigna lessons and a summer academic program that helped prepare students for the upcoming school year.

The Denden Learning Center (DLC) played a key role in supporting the career and educational goals of our youth. Through workshops, seminars, and ACT prep, the DLC connected young people with professionals and provided critical resources for post-secondary success.

Financially, we continue to be sustained by the generosity of our members and supporters, with this summer’s expenses totaling just over $27,000. Thanks to membership fees, fundraising efforts, and T-shirt sales, we remain on solid financial footing as we plan for future growth.

The Road Ahead: Empowerment and Expansion

Looking forward, Denden is committed to building on our history while meeting the evolving needs of our community. Our Girls Empowerment programs are a top priority, along with expanding academic support resources. The Denden Youth Creativity Challenge, set to be part of our 20-year celebration, will encourage young people to showcase their talents in writing, art, robotics, and more.

As we launch our new website and roll out even more features, we’re eager to make it easier for families to stay connected, register for events, and access important information. This new phase of growth is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Denden.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for our youth and community!