In Somalia, the European Union is improving young people's employability, in particular for women and girls.
See Ayaan’s story:
The EU contributes substantively to increasing the number of youth and adults having the right technical and vocational skills for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship in Somalia.
A comprehensive technical and vocational training programme offers a broader range of occupational profiles and works with the private sector to ensure that training matches the demands of the labour-market.
Trainees can improve their income by connecting with employers through internships and work placements. A particular focus is on key labour-intensive sectors that drive development, such as information and communication technology, and energy and infrastructure.
Trainees also benefit from start-up grants and kits in order to start entrepreneurial activities and increase their business profits.
The EU particularly wants to ensure that there are equal opportunities for both women and men to take courses.
Ayaan Abdishakur has been studying ICT since primary school. She now has the opportunity to teach as part of her ICT vocational studies. Ayaan says that her classes are open to both young women and men but there are still very few young women in her classes. "For too long young women have been told that this industry is not suitable for them", she adds. Ayaan encourages young women to study computer sciences.
When they see me fixing hard drives and desktops, they realise that women have a place in the ICT industry
Ayaan Abdishakur
EU support to the education and vocational training sector in Somalia aims to strengthen systems for the delivery of good-quality education and skills development. These actions promote the provision of primary and secondary education, expanding vocational training opportunities, enhancing the capacity of teaching staff and education administrations, and developing a curriculum framework.
Related links
More about the EU’s work in Somalia on the website of the EU Delegation to Somalia
More about EU action in Somalia