Empowering Youth Employment Through Mobile Technology
Challenge
The problem of inadequate motorcycle policy, regulation, and licensing in Somaliland and Somalia is resulting in an increase in motorcycle services in cities without proper training and regulation of riders. However, the increasing number of motorcycle riders in Hargeisa could potentially help limit traffic congestion and air pollution. To address this issue, Shaqodoon Organization and Oxfam Novib have partnered to implement a motorcycle project in Somaliland. The project aims to train young people in motorcycle riding and maintenance, as well as provide soft skill training in customer care, communication, and safe material handling. At the end of the training, participants will receive motorcycles to improve their livelihoods.
Project Goals
Increase economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth.
Provide financing and equipment to enable disadvantaged youth to own and operate motorcycles.
Deliver technical skills training to enable disadvantaged youth to maintain and repair their motorcycles.
Leverage mobile-based technology to simplify delivery systems.
Connect motorbike riders with e-commerce platforms and clients.
Key Activities
Conducted hard training for 33 participants on safe motorcycle riding practices, including theory and practical sessions.
Delivered soft skills training to the same 33 participants, covering customer care, first aid, and Somaliland traffic rules and regulations.
Organized an awarding ceremony after the completion of the training program.
Implemented a transparent motorbike distribution system by creating 25 'Yes' cards and 8 'No' cards for a competition among the participants.
Participants who picked 'Yes' were identified as winners and received motorcycles, safety helmets, delivery boxes, and smartphones.
Impact
Improved the livelihoods of participants and their families through increased income from their new business ventures.
Increased the number of safe, responsible, and admirable motorcycle riders in the community.
Enhanced soft skills among the participants, including customer care, first aid, and knowledge of Somaliland traffic rules and regulations.
Provided safety helmets, delivery boxes, and smartphones to winners of the motorbike distribution competition to support their new business ventures.
Potentially reduced traffic congestion and air pollution in Hargeisa by promoting motorcycle transportation as a viable alternative to other modes of transportation.
More Details
Project Director: Ahmed Yusuf Mohamed | Email
Location: Somaliland
Start Date - End Date: 26/01/2022 to 30/09/2022
Partner(s): Oxfam Novib