Bridging the Digital Divide: Shaqodoon Marks World Youth Skills Day in Mogadishu
Technological advancements and shifting labour market dynamics increasingly call for agile and adaptable skill sets. It is crucial that we empower young people to navigate these changes effectively.
Celebrated on the 15th of July every year, World Youth Skills Day is a global celebration aimed at uniting to recognize the potential of young people as catalysts for change and committing to providing them with the skills and opportunities they need to build a prosperous and sustainable future. Against this backdrop, Shaqodoon's event in Mogadishu served as a powerful platform for engaging discussions, networking, and celebrating the empowerment of Somali youth with in-demand digital skills.
The event captured the essence of World Youth Skills Day by emphasizing the importance of equipping Somali youth with relevant digital skills to thrive in today's rapidly evolving world. The day commenced with an introduction by Shaqodoon's Executive Director, Mustafa Othman, who highlighted the significance of the day and the organization's commitment to empowering youth.
The event's main highlight was a thought-provoking panel discussion centered around this year’s theme of 'skilling teachers, trainers, and youth for a transformative digital future.' The panel brought together esteemed representatives from various sectors, including government ministries, the private sector, and development sector. With participation from Somalia’s Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, Premier Bank, and COOPI, the discussion delved into the importance of equipping the region’s youth with highly valuable digital skills. Panelists shared insights on how different sectors can collaborate to ensure the empowerment of Somali youth and create pathways for them to access skill development opportunities.
“MogaBits gave me courage to tackle the employment landscape. But more than that, it gave me the right skills for this digital age.”
Empowering Somali Youth with Digital Skills Development
Throughout the event, there was a resounding consensus among guests on the criticality of equipping Somali youth with relevant digital skills. In today's technology-driven world, digital literacy is paramount to enable young people to participate actively in the regional and global economy, as well as contribute to the sustainable development of their communities. Shaqodoon's presentation highlighted the organization's commitment to bridging the digital skills gap and shared findings from its market assessment survey on digital skills in Somaliland and Puntland. The survey underscored the need to prioritize digital and multimedia skills training for marginalized youth, including those who have migrated from drought-affected rural areas.
One of Shaqodoon's beneficiaries - Abdiqadir Guled, a former student who graduated from MogaBits, the renowned Digital Design academy, shared his inspiring story of empowerment. He highlighted how Shaqodoon's support, and the in-demand skills acquired through the academy's training and internship program have played a pivotal role in his current job success.
The event not only fostered engaging discussions but also provided an exceptional networking platform. Attendees included representatives from international and local NGOs, government ministries, UN organizations, and the private sector. This diverse mix of stakeholders facilitated meaningful conversations, sparked potential collaborations, and laid the foundation for partnerships geared towards empowering Somali youth.
Looking Ahead
Shaqodoon remains steadfast in its commitment to enabling Somali youth with in-demand digital skills. The event showcased the organization's dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that young people have access to skill development opportunities that align with the demands of the modern workforce. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders and the implementation of innovative programs, Shaqodoon will play a pivotal role in shaping a prosperous and sustainable future for all Somali youth.
The World Youth Skills Day event organized by Shaqodoon in Mogadishu was an exceptional platform to unite and recognize the potential of young people as catalysts for change. By equipping Somali youth with the sought after digital skills, Shaqodoon is enabling them to seize opportunities, contribute to their communities, and build a prosperous and sustainable world. The event's panel discussion, networking opportunities, and commitment to collaboration underscored the organization's dedication to empowering Somali youth and transforming their future.