Project Website (in Somali): www.shaqodoon.org

Project Overview

SYLP, known locally as Shaqodoon, provides Somali youth with a greater opportunity to access training, internships, work and self-employment opportunities.  These opportunities are intended to productively engage youth and add to the stability and development of the region. Somali staff, assisted by international experts, work with employers to better understand the skills that they need, assist education and training providers to develop programs that are more focused on meeting labor market demand, and  build upon existing technical training programs through direct financial support. The program is currently in Somaliland and is expanding in late 2009 to Puntland and South Central Somalia. The project aims to reach 8,000 youth over a 3-year period.

Objectives

• Provide Somali youth with greater access to training, internships, work and self-employment opportunities.

• Productively engage Somali youth and contribute to the stability and development of the region.

• Strengthen links between training opportunities and labor market demand, and build upon existing technical training programs.

• Foster partnerships between project leaders, participants and potential employers.

Activities

The project currently achieves its objectives in Somaliland through services provided by project staff and 20 implementing partners in Hargeisa, Burao, and Las Anood. The implementing partners were selected through a competitive application process.

Vocational & Workforce Readiness Training

Shaqodoon will provide workforce readiness, vocational, English language and/or career counseling training to more than 1,200 youth through March 2010. 

Career Resource Centers

Shaqodoon will develop livelihood resource centers in Hargeisa, with satellite centers in Burao and Las Anood to provide a physical location for some of the project’s services.

Job Match

Shaqodoon works with employers to better define their needs for skills, as well as assist education and training providers with program development. To date, 23 NGOs, businesses, and government agencies have listed employment or work experience opportunities for Shaqodoon-registered youth through the web-based “Job Match” component of the program.

Program Expansion

In September 2009, EDC was awarded additional funds to expand and extend the project to reach Puntland and South-Central Somalia. Potential implementing partners in these areas submitted capacity statements and materials through an Expression of Interest activity that EDC facilitated. Those who have been pre-qualified will be invited to submit applications for funding in late 2009 in order to recruit, train, counsel and place youth through SYLP.

Language Radio Programs

In addition to face-to-face education, the project will utilize technology for education in innovative ways. This includes the production of interactive Somali language audio programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurship, as well as the creation of new opportunities for youth through the use of cell phones and web-based technologies. 

Implementing Partners

Education Development Center (EDC)

Community Based Partners

Project Documents

January 2009 - March 2009 - Somali Youth Livelihood Program / Shaqodoon Report 

July 2009- September 2009 - Somali Youth Livelihood Program/ Shaqodoon Report 

Somali Youth Livelihood Program Sheet