United States Department of State
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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.