Berbera Youth Center Hosts Vital Skills and Awareness Events

On May 21, 2024, Shaqodoon, in collaboration with UNFPA, hosted two significant events under the recently inaugurated Berbera Youth Center: a Core Life Skills Orientation and a Youth Drug Awareness Campaign. These events are part of a broader initiative to enhance the skills and awareness of the youth in Berbera, ensuring they are well-prepared for future opportunities.

Core Life Skills Orientation

The Core Life Skills Orientation event, held at the Berbera Youth Center, welcomed 112 newly selected youth from Berbera city. This comprehensive two-week program will focus on core life skills and employability training, designed to empower participants for personal development and future success. Announced on Shaqodoon's social media pages on May 5, 2024, the training initially attracted 287 applicants, of which 112 (61 females and 49 males) were selected.

The orientation began with a warm welcome from Mustafa Mohamoud Osman, the training facilitator, who provided an overview of the training's significance and benefits. Mustafa introduced Shaqodoon's mission and the various services it offers to youth in the region, emphasizing the importance of the training in equipping young individuals with essential skills for employment opportunities.

Ahmed Yusuf, Shaqodoon's programs coordinator in Somaliland, urged the youth to utilize the Youth Center effectively, highlighting the significance of core life skills such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, and public speaking. He emphasized that these skills are crucial for shaping future success. The event concluded with participants inspired and motivated to embark on their training journey, equipped with valuable skills for personal and professional development.

Youth Drug Awareness Campaign

Simultaneously, a Youth Drug Awareness Campaign was conducted at Bursade High School. Attended by both male and female students, the campaign aimed to provide young people with crucial information about the dangers and negative consequences of drug use.

The event began with an introduction by the principal of Bursade High School, Mustafe Muse, who briefed the students on the purpose of the campaign. Mustafe Mahmoud from Shaqodoon then addressed the attendees, explaining the increasing prevalence of drugs in the local markets and urging the youth to focus on their studies and avoid drug use. He emphasized the importance of perseverance stating, "Perseverance and hard work will bear fruit and lead to success."

Nura Ismael from the Berbera Municipality’s department of education, also spoke to the youth. She strongly advised against drug use and explained the risks and dangers of drug addiction. Ms. Nura encouraged the students to learn new skills to support their future development.

Both events underscore the Berbera Youth Center's main objective: to enhance youth skills, provide essential training, and promote healthy, inclusive opportunities for all. The Center, managed by Shaqodoon, serves as a beacon of hope and a hub for skill-building and personal development for the youth in Berbera. These initiatives are a testament to Shaqodoon's dedication to gender and social inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all young people to thrive.

To learn more about the Berbera Youth Center and other youth initiatives managed by Shaqodoon, visit our Gender and Social Inclusion page.