Riding Out Of Unemployment
On 5th September 2022, for the first time in Somaliland, Shaqodoon in collaboration with Oxfam and Dhaweeye, conducted a motorcycle awarding event for 33 young unemployed youth in Hargeisa. As part of the program requirement, the selected youth were from low-income families and vulnerable marginalized communities.
The project’s main objectives were to increase the economic opportunities of disadvantaged youth through financing, equipping them with motorcycles and technical skills training, as well as leveraging mobile-based technology to simplify delivery systems by connecting motorbike riders, e-commerce platforms and clients.
Before the awarding ceremony, the 33 participants underwent hard training in the theory and practice of safe systems, deliberate, responsible, and admirable riding as well as soft training on skills related to customer care, first aid and Somaliland traffic rules and regulations.
After the completion of the training an awarding ceremony was held at Shaqoodon’s headquarters in Hargeisa.
The event aimed to provide tangible employment opportunities for young people, giving them entry to potential labor markets by allowing them to generate sufficient income for themselves and their direct dependents. This event brought together members from the Somaliland government, private sector, business leaders, international NGOs, parents, youth, local media and members of the organizations led by the Somali Minority community.
To ensure the transparency of motorbike distribution, 25 ‘Yes’ cards and 8 ‘No’ cards were created for the competition, those who picked the ‘Yes’ were identified as winners and received the motorcycles along with safety helmets, delivery box and smartphones.
“I am the only bread winner of my extended family. If my son wins the motorbike, It will give me the chance to send two of my children to formal school since I was unable to afford their school fees before”
Mr. Abdiqani Dirie Shaqodoon’s Head of Programs oversaw the awarding event. He stated that the opportunity will help the youth create decent jobs for themselves and also their direct dependents.
Shaqodoon Organization and Oxfam Novib have worked together on a number of projects including this motorcycle project in Somaliland, with the aim of equipping the youth with skills and resources required to lead decent and engaging lives - a priority focus for both organizations work in Somalia/land.