SFS Conducts Self Help Projects For The Youth at Risk in Puntland.

A project to engage the youth to be productive and avoid joining violence groups was launched in Bosaso and Galkacyo. The project funded by the government of Japan and is implemented by International Labor Organization in partnership with Somali Family Services in collaboration with UNDP and UNICEF. The project aim is to engaging 475 youth with skills such as entrepreneurship, vocational training and labor intensive.

The project covered both Bossaso and Galkayio, whereby SFS established regional offices. Furthermore project employees were hired to ensure smooth progress. SFS would then designate the youth into different groups to receive entrepreneurship training and business plan competition. Strategic partners recognize the importance of not only providing training but also empowering youth through hands on opportunities to start and run a business. 200 youth will be awarded $500 each but be encouraged cooperatives.

The SFS executive director travelled to Bossaso and the SFS team visited the UNDP site and met with the youth. To strengthen the working relation, SFS met with the governor of Bossaso and discussed the program activities. Despite the security challenges in Galkayio, SFS launched labor intensives in a public place. The mayor who spoke at the occasion highlighted the need of good roads construction. He thanked the ILO and SFS for their participation in Galkayio road construction.

Despite encountering several challenges, the youth program was a success.