Challenge
Eight out of 10 Somalis are younger than 35 years old, approximately 81.5 percent of the Somali population is under 35 years of age according to the Population Estimation Survey 2014. However, avenues for youth to obtain an education and gainful employment opportunities are limited while opportunities to engage politically, economically, or socially remain weak or non-existent. Somali youth, if not engaged in productive enterprises, may become radicalized, and/or disenfranchised, contributing to violent conflict and migration.
Project Goals
To build peace and contribute to stability in Somaliland and Somalia by improving opportunities for youth to engage in peace-building, skills development, income-generation, entrepreneurship, sports and culture
The project’s specific objective is to ensure that youth have access to safe spaces where they can realize their full potential as productive and independent agents of positive change in Somalia.
Key Activities
Immediate Outcome (IO2): Youth in Somalia particularly those furthest behind– have increased access to services and support to improve their income-generating opportunities
Immediate Outcome (IO3): Improved Enabling Environment for Youth Participation in Public Policy formulation and Decision-Making at National, Local and Community levels.
Impact
8,000 direct beneficiaries, 30 youth organisations, and over 250,000 indirect beneficiaries benefitted from the project.
Panel discussion on women and Somaliland parliamentary and local elections.
Youth civic engagement - Radio show program about the role of youth on security safeguarding during the elections.
Multimedia platform: Panel discussion the effects of Covid-19 on youth Employment at Harhub hall
Capacity building for youth-led organizations- Organizational Management, Leadership & Communication, and Financial Management Training of 10 organisations.
Youth-led organisation networking event to boost resource sharing, skills, expertise.
Youth Centers
UNFPA supported centers provide safe, nurturing environments for youth and women to address sensitive issues, grow, learn, and develop skills that can help them break the cycle of poverty and create a better future for themselves.
There are two fully-operationalized centers in Somaliland; The Gabiley Youth Center and The Berbera Youth Center. A third center is currently under construction in Somalia’s South West State.
The core objectives of these UNFPA-supported centers include:
Providing a variety of services such as SRH counseling, family planning, nutrition, and psychosocial support
Educational and vocational training
Community-level outreach and awareness programs
Additionally, they provide aid to those seeking justice and protection from Gender-Based violence, and referrals to specialized health care services.
The centers provide youth with safe spaces for recreational activities such as gaming and socializing, as well as access to education, job training, and career guidance.
More Details
Project Director: Ahmed Yusuf Mohamed | Email
Location: Somalia and Somaliland | Galmudug, Puntland, and Somaliland
Start Date - End Date: 10/20/2021 to 12/24/2024
Donor(s): EU
Partner(s): UNFPA