Community Development

Iftin Foundation recognizes that sustainable development requires a holistic approach that addresses communities' diverse needs. To this end, the foundation works on a range of community development projects, including providing shelters and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities. The foundation's shelter projects aim to provide safe and dignified housing for vulnerable groups, such as IDPs and refugees. These shelters are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities they serve, considering factors such as cultural norms, family size, and local climate conditions. In addition to shelter, the Iftin Foundation also works to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in communities. This includes the construction of wells, boreholes, and latrines and the provision of hygiene education to promote healthy practices. By improving WASH facilities, the foundation aims to reduce the incidence of waterborne diseases and improve overall community health.

Education Development

Iftin Foundation is dedicated to advancing education in Somalia. Recognizing the diverse needs of our students, we craft curriculums that resonate with their unique circumstances. Our collaboration with schools nationwide includes programs for teacher training, educational resource development, and the establishment of learning centers. In 2017, we took a significant leap forward by introducing an online platform that allows students to engage with their lessons interactively, making education more accessible and adaptable to the needs of the modern Somali student. The foundation’s education development initiatives extend beyond traditional schooling. They also focus on adult education, literacy programs, and vocational training to provide opportunities for individuals who may need more formal education. Iftin Foundation aims to create a more knowledgeable and skilled population that can contribute to the country’s development by offering a wide range of educational programs.

Training and Skills Development

Iftin Foundation recognizes the importance of equipping individuals with the necessary skills to thrive. The foundation offers various training programs covering a wide range of topics, including computer literacy, digital marketing, web development, and more. These programs are designed to provide participants with practical skills they can apply personally and professionally. Iftin Foundation also works with local businesses and organizations to identify the specific skills in demand in the job market.By tailoring their training programs to meet these needs, the foundation helps bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that individuals have the skills employers seek. In a world that increasingly values literacy, Iftin Foundation leads with progressive training programs spanning basic computer skills to advanced digital competencies. By aligning with the ever-evolving job market, we equip individuals with the skills necessary to excel in various sectors. Our initiatives include workshops, seminars, and hands-on training sessions that are designed to bridge the gap between traditional learning and the demands of a digital future.

Advocacy

Iftin Foundation is a strong advocate for the empowerment of vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and people with disabilities, refugees, returnees, and IDPs. The foundation works to create a society that embraces diversity and provides equal opportunities for all. Through its advocacy efforts, the Iftin Foundation aims to bring about transformative changes in infrastructure and policies that go beyond mere inclusivity. The foundation engages with policymakers, community leaders, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the challenges faced by vulnerable groups and to advocate for their rights. Our advocacy programs focus on promoting equal opportunities for women, youth, and people with disabilities, refugees, and IDPs. We engage in policy discussions, community mobilization, and strategic partnerships to address and remove the systemic barriers that prevent full participation.

Entrepreneurship and Employment

Iftin Foundation has established a robust support system for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our interventions are multifaceted—from motivational talks and training sessions to comprehensive media lessons covering essential business skills like sales, marketing, and finance. In addition to its entrepreneurship education program, the Iftin Foundation has implemented job placement schemes to help Somali female graduates gain fair access to the job market with the help of the Somalia Stability Fund. These schemes provide support and guidance to help women navigate the job search process and secure employment. The foundation also offers small business development and employment courses for IDPs, refugees, and returnees, aiming to integrate them successfully into the local economy.

Research and Publications

To facilitate informed decision-making and keep our stakeholders abreast of current trends, Iftin Foundation conducts in-depth research and analysis in various domains. To this end, the foundation regularly conducts research, surveys, assessments, and data collection to gather insights into various societal issues. The findings of these studies are published and made available to stakeholders, including policymakers, NGOs, and the general public, to inform their work and decisionmaking processes. These studies provide valuable data that can be used to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities in the education sector and beyond.