One-Stop–Shop (OSS) Centers
Challenge
In line with an ongoing partnership aimed at providing opportunities to young people in the Somali territories, Shaqodoon, Silatech, and the American Refugee Committee (ARC) launched the Somali Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program (SYEEP). This program sought to bridge the gap between job seekers and the local business community by establishing specially designed "One Stop Shop" (OSS) centers to provide comprehensive youth employment and business support services. OSS centers were opened in three Somali cities: Hargeisa, Bossaso, and Mogadishu.
During the implementation phase, it was evident that young Somalis faced one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, with around two-thirds of the labor force comprising of young individuals. A 2012 UNDP report revealed a staggering unemployment rate of 67 percent among Somalis aged 14 to 29. Formal-sector entry points into the workforce were severely limited for Somali youth, with scarce job opportunities leading to sustainable careers. Consequently, there was an increasing need in Somalia to facilitate the entry of youth into informal-sector employment.
Project Objectives
The SYEEP utilized an existing SMS-based platform to directly connect young individuals with job opportunities, internships, and training programs. Approximately 300 private sector employers were registered and trained to participate in Shaqodoon's employment platform. With the support of Silatech and ARC, the Somali Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program built upon Shaqodoon's pre-existing Job and Business Information Service Center (JBISC) and provided training and support services to both youth and employers. Once established, the OSS centers operated as social enterprises, charging reasonable market prices for their services to youth, businesses, and employers. Any profits generated were reinvested to ensure the long-term sustainability of the centers.
Key Activities
To facilitate connections between job seekers and the local business community, One Stop Shop (OSS) centers for Job Seekers and Entrepreneurs were established in Hargeisa (Somaliland), Bossaso (Puntland), and Mogadishu (Somalia). These centers were strategically located at universities or in easily accessible areas within the cities, ensuring convenient access for youth and employers via public transport. The OSS centers served as hubs for knowledge, advice, and career guidance, catering to youth, entrepreneurs, and business owners seeking skilled young talent.
The following activities were key to the success of the project:
Youth received SMS/Voice alerts informing them about training and employment opportunities directly on their mobile phones.
An SMS-based platform was provided for employers to post job and internship opportunities.
Work placement and soft skills training were conducted, benefiting 1,000 youth, and covering areas such as CV writing, interview practice, communication, and work ethics.
Youth entrepreneurship (BYB), financial literacy, and business development service training were provided to 480 young individuals, including linkage with Micro Finance Institutions.
A radio-based entrepreneurship program was developed, encouraging public participation through SMS, and raising awareness among over 300,000 listeners.
Social TV programming was created to foster a positive attitude towards self-employment, promote the concept of microfinance, and provide inspiring role models for Somali youth. This was complemented by mentoring, counseling, career guidance, and Tamheed assessments.
Registration and training of 300 private sector employers were conducted on Shaqodoon's employment platform.
Impact
The implementation of the Somali Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program (SYEEP) had a significant impact on youth empowerment and the reduction of unemployment in Somalia.
Economic Opportunities: The program provided technical assistance, training, and support to young entrepreneurs, creating economic opportunities for them. By equipping them with essential skills and knowledge, SYEEP helped young individuals establish their businesses, generate income, and contribute to the local economy.
Reduced Unemployment: Through the establishment of One Stop Shop (OSS) centers and the SMS-based platform, SYEEP successfully connected job seekers with employment opportunities. By facilitating the matching of youth with suitable jobs, internships, and training programs, the program played a crucial role in reducing youth unemployment rates.
Entrepreneurship Development: SYEEP focused on nurturing entrepreneurial skills among young Somalis. The training and mentorship provided in areas such as business development, financial literacy, and microfinance enabled youth to explore entrepreneurship as a viable career option. This emphasis on entrepreneurship helped create a culture of self-employment and innovation among the youth.
Positive Attitude Shift: The development of radio-based entrepreneurship programs and social TV programming had a significant impact on changing attitudes towards self-employment. These media initiatives promoted the concept of microfinance, provided role models for Somali youth, and inspired them to pursue entrepreneurship as a means of livelihood. This shift in attitude towards self-employment contributed to the long-term sustainability of the program's impact.
Access to Support Services: The establishment of OSS centers provided a one-stop hub for youth, entrepreneurs, and business owners to access a wide range of support services. These services included knowledge, advice, career counseling, access to finance, mentoring, and training. By centralizing these services, SYEEP made it easier for young individuals to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape and access the resources they needed for success.
Overall, the Somali Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship Program (SYEEP) had a transformative impact on young people in Somalia, equipping them with the necessary skills, resources, and opportunities to thrive in the workforce and contribute to the socioeconomic development of their communities.
More Details
Project Director: Mustafa Othman | Email
Location: Somaliland, Puntland, Somalia | Hargeisa, Garowe, Mogadishu
Start Date - End Date: 01/10/2014 to 31/12/2016
Donor(s): Silatech
Partner(s): Silatech