Commemoration on World Youth Skills Day

Introduction

Iftin Foundation has been a pillar of empowerment for Somali youth for over 12 years, dedicated to equipping young people with the essential skills and tools they need to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and change makers. By fostering strong partnerships, advocating for inclusive education, and expanding opportunities for skills development, Iftin Foundation has made significant strides in transforming the lives of Somali youth. The Iftin Foundation’s commitment to life skills training, entrepreneurship development, and community capacity building has prepared over 10,000 young individuals to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to society. Through innovative approaches and collaborative efforts with government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector, Iftin Foundation continues to drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth across the regions in Somalia and beyond.

World Youth Skills Day is a reminder of the immense potential of young people and the crucial role of skills development in unlocking that potential and we as Iftin Foundation can ensure that every young person has the chance to fulfill their potential and contribute meaningfully to society and transform the lives of Somali youth and drive sustainable development and inclusive economic growth across the regions in Somalia.

Iftin Foundation calls on stakeholders and partners to join hands and invest in equipping youth with the skills and tools they need to thrive and create change for a more prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future. This day is celebrated by youth, educational institutions, employers, policymakers, and development partners to underscore the importance of developing skills for young people’s engagement, employment, and empowerment towards sustainable development.

The Significance of World Youth Skills Day

World Youth Skills Day is a pivotal moment to highlight the crucial role of skills development in preparing young people for their future and serves as a platform to:

Promote Awareness in highlighting the importance of equipping youth with the necessary skills for life, work, and citizenship.

Encourage Investment in mobilizing investments from governments, private sector, and development partners to support youth skills development.

Foster Collaboration in Encourage partnerships among stakeholders to create sustainable and inclusive learning and employment opportunities.

Celebrate Achievements in recognizing and celebrate the achievements of young people who have successfully gained and utilized new skills.

Iftin Foundation’s Impact Over 12 Years in Skills Development

Over the past 12 years, Iftin Foundation has been a beacon of hope and empowerment for youth in Somalia and across Eastern and Southern Africa. The foundation has:

1. Provided life skills training to over 10,000 young Somali males and females, preparing them to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
2. Delivered comprehensive entrepreneurship training, enabling young people to start and sustain their businesses.
3. Strengthened community capacity by fostering social cohesion, economic empowerment, and self-reliance through various initiatives.

Key Achievements

1. Trained over 10,000 youth in professional and entrepreneurship skills.
2. Ensured equal participation, with 50% of beneficiaries being girls and young women as gender inclusivity.
3. Integrated innovative methodologies for entrepreneurship and social innovation.
4. Worked closely with government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector to maximize impact.

Call to Action for Somali Partners and Stakeholders

Iftin Foundation urges Somali partners and stakeholders to:

1. Allocate resources and investments to support skill development programs for youth.
2. Provide platforms for internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs to bridge the gap between education and employment.
3. Ensure that all youth, including those from marginalized communities, have access to learning and employment opportunities.
4. Strengthen partnerships among government, private sector, and civil society to create a cohesive and supportive environment for youth development.
5. Utilize technological advancements to create flexible and innovative learning pathways for youth.