From mastering digital design tools to nurturing entrepreneurial ambitions, Abdinoor and Muna exemplify the power of education and determination.

The LEAD program leaves a lasting mark on Somali youth employment landscape. Empowering with skills, innovation, and opportunity, it’s a legacy driving positive change.

HargaBits, an institution that has become a beacon of digital excellence since its inception in 2016, has not merely been a school; it is a gateway to a vibrant future shaping over 700 aspiring young individuals.

The project's primary focus on the age group of 15-25 and women, aligns with the ILED's objective of revitalizing and expanding the local economy with an emphasis on broad-based inclusive growth and opportunities for women and youth.

Over the course of five intense days, talented participants were divided into 10 groups, each tasked with developing innovative digital solutions to address pressing gaps in the community.

Aisha credits confidence as the most valuable skill she gained from her graphics design program.

“I believe the program offered by Shaqodoon and The Next Economy was very beneficial to my business, I gained valuable knowledge that transformed the way I viewed by business approach.”

Fadxi says the Hargabits Program was invaluable in giving him the tools he needed to be successful in his line of work, and he believes it has made him a better professional.

Increasing the economic opportunities of disadvantaged youth through financing, equipping them with motorcycles, technical skills training, and leveraging mobile-based technology to simplify delivery systems by connecting motorbike riders, e-commerce platforms and clients. 

“In March 2020, I saw the business investment and training opportunity, The Next Economy program advertised by Shaqodoon on social media and I applied. Fortunately, my business idea was shortlisted, and I came to Shaqodoon to attend the interview. I was selected for the life skill training opportunity.” “I then underwent a two-month entrepreneurship training that gave me the knowledge to not only understand the business approach, but how to also brainstorm innovative ideas with income generating capacity.”

Araale made the leap from jobless high school graduate to manager and co-founder of the Adeege Creative Agency, thanks to the skills learned through HargaBits Design Academy.

Fadxa’s academic achievement gave her a hope of expecting the university of Bossaso (UOB) would provide her a job opportunity. She was naively believing in her ability, hopefully predicting to get a job, especially if the recruitment process is fair and transparent. Fadxa was among 30 students who were provided an internship opportunity and was placed in Modern management department of UOB, assuming the position of the administrative assistant. She was pleased the administrative assistant job that was offered her after completing the internship.

Organisations or institutions’ recruitment culture contribute largely to the overall challenges of getting jobs through qualifications, consequently relying job seekers on personal connections and powerful and influential persons, even though the candidates are more competent and willing to compete for vacancies. Job seekers lost the trust in a formal recruitment process or applying vacancies unless the employers are personally known or someone in the job seekers’ network knows them. “My greatest worry was about job openings that are not openly announced, and an employment based on a recommendation, mainly through personal and family connections” Abdullahi stated.

A toll-free emergency helpline to support the government forward preventative messages and to provide assistance to potential patients.

Dini Khalif grew up in Bosaso, Puntland, Somalia where Mr Khalif always thought working a regular job for an employer cannot elevate one from poverty, Dini went to school in Bosaso as soon as he finished studying he started working and he had his fair share of working for employers as he witnessed firsthand what he had feared already that working a job cannot help one find financial freedom.

“Come with me.” said the head nurse to Amal, rushing from the surgery theatre. “We need you to stitch a patient.” I waited patiently in the waiting area as Amal rushed into serving a patient at Hawo Abdi Hospital in Mogadisho where she is employed as a part-time nurse.

 Hargabits digital design skills academy commemorated a cheerful event to honor the third batch of graduates who have excelled studying at the academy.