Somali Youth Get Jobs, Businesses From U.S.-Funded Training

Vocational training funded by the U.S. African Development Foundation opens the door to good jobs for more than 300 youth in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu.

In Somalia’s coastal capital, Mogadishu, vocational training funded by the U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF) has opened the door to good jobs for more than 300 youth, such as these shown making electrical repairs.

In 2011, USADF funded KAASHIF Voluntary Organization to implement a youth training and employment program in Mogadishu. The results have been impressive: More than 85 percent of the young people who have gone through KAASHIF’s program are now employed or own their own small businesses.

In addition to the training, KAASHIF links qualified and skilled candidates with local Somali businesses eager to hire youth. Other KAASHIF alumni choose to open small businesses, such as mobile phone repair shops or tailoring boutiques.

Among these ambitious youth is Ahmed, a young Somali who recently opened his own mobile phone repair shop after completing a intensive two-month course administered by KAASHIF. The USADF grant includes a small startup fund for candidates like Ahmed to help them launch their business plans.

Ahmed now earns an average of $200 a month and is able to send two of his younger brothers to school. For Ahmed, USADF’s program has been a life-altering experience. “I lack enough words to thank KAASHIF and USADF,” he said. “The program has enabled me towards achieving my goals to live a prosperous life.”

KAASHIF is one of 15 USADF youth job training and placement programs throughout Somalia. More than 2,000 Somali youth have participated in the program since 2011