The opening ceremony was attended by local government represented by the District Commissioner of Dolow, Mr. Aden Barre, partners from UNICEF, COOPI, OCHA and other partners. Also in attendance included NRC’s Regional Director for the Horn of Africa Programme, Ms. Gabriella Waaijman and the Director of Field Operations Magnhild Vasset.
“NRC considers this celebration as an important milestone in our continued efforts to facilitate durable, meaningful and long-term solutions for vulnerable groups, as a means of actualising NRC’s vision of Rights Respected and People Protected”, said Magnhild Vasset, who was visiting NRC’s humanitarian programmes in Dolo.
The Youth Education Pack (YEP) started in South Central Somalia in 2013 with 2 centres in Mogadishu and Baidoa. NRC is currently providing vocational training in 4 centres targeting 620 young men and women. Already 310 youth have graduated and are currently utilising the skills attained in both employment and private engagement enabling them to an a decent income.
Tailoring, carpentry and beautification are the three skills training areas that are provided at the vocational training centre.
The programme aims at contributing to NRC’s third strategic priority where displaced and vulnerable people are facilitated to access education in emergencies. The programme targets IDPs and returnee youths who have had limited access to education, training and employment opportunities, providing them with an incredible opportunity to attain literacy and vocational skills that enhance their ability to access and engage in livelihoods opportunities, providing an avenue that facilitates a change of mind-set, a desire for an environment that values improved protection and good governance and how they, in their individual capacities can be responsible citizens interested in upholding efforts aimed at enhancing durable solutions of peace and good governance in Somalia.
In Dolow District, the UNICEF-funded YEP training activities began with labour market surveys conducted to determine employment potential for skilled youths. Informed by the findings of the survey, 3 skills training areas were identified; tailoring, carpentry and beautification. A total of 100 learners have been registered and enrolled to pursue the courses.
The Area Manager for Somalia’s South Central Programme, Muhumed Hussein, made the following statement: “The success and sustainability of the YEP programme in Dolow depends on the continuous support, participation and contribution from the community and its leadership”.
The ceremony was attended by local government represented by the District Commissioner of Dolow, Mr. Aden Barre, partners from UNICEF, COOPI, OCHA and NRCs Mangnhild Vasset.
“NRC recognises that there are other challenges facing the Dolow community and especially IDPs and returnees, beyond the challenges of access to quality education and life skills. Therefore, we will continue to work together in addressing the challenges of shelter and in promoting sustainable food security. I officially launch the Dolow Youth Education Pack programme and request that you all continue to render NRC the immense support and collaboration that has made the programme an opportunity for hope for our youth today”, concluded Magnhild.
