Tackling Technical Skills Gap in Somaliland

Urban skills cover a wide range of knowhow that includes computer skills, technical skills, and business skills. Despite African youth’s strong drive to succeed, it is true that there are some challenges that they face in accessing urban skills training necessary for seizing local employment opportunities. Somaliland youth is not spared from this.

Many people in Somaliland have formal schooling but lack the skills required for the world of work. Since September 2021, Pharo Foundation has tackled this issue through its TVET program.

In Somaliland, the Pharo Foundation runs a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) center in Hargeisa. It is in its pilot phase and currently serves approximately limited number of students from the region. The center is dedicated to providing knowledge and skills related to various sectors of the economy.  It aims to upskill Somaliland youth aged 18 to 30 to have greater long-term employment opportunities.

The Foundation is thrilled to announce that 73 talented individuals have successfully completed their vocational training courses in Painting & Decoration (Level 1), Electric Installation & Solar Energy (Level 2), and Plumbing & Pipefitting (Level 2). A special shout out to their two outstanding female students who excelled in the Electrical course. This marks a milestone as Foundation’s Plumbing program sees its inaugural batch graduate. Here’s to bright futures and endless possibilities.

The Foundation is proud to say that 15 Painting & Decorating graduates are already working as freelancers, 10 Electrical & Solar graduates have secured jobs, and 15 Plumbing graduates have also secured incredible jobs. They are so proud of their achievements and hope to continue with excellent results in the years to come