Dhusamareeb, Galmudug: The Somali National Youth Policy is a crucial document that aims to empower and equip the youth with the necessary tools to build a prosperous future for themselves and their country.
The policy has been in the making for many years, and the federal ministry of youth and sports, in conjunction with the ministry of youth and sports of Galmudug, recently conducted the Somali National Youth Policy Consultation and Validation in Dhusamareeb, the capital city of Galmudug state. This is a significant step towards ensuring that the policy is inclusive and represents the needs and aspirations of young people across Somalia.
The validation and consultation process brought together key stakeholders, including youth representatives, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and government officials. The aim was to review and get feedback on the draft policy, ensuring that it reflects the priorities and aspirations of Somali youth.
The consultations covered various thematic areas, including education, employment, health, governance, and participation. Participants were encouraged to share their views and provide recommendations for the policy’s final version.
One of the critical highlights of the policy is its recognition of the importance of education for young people’s development.
The policy emphasizes the need for quality education that is accessible to all, especially young people in rural areas and those affected by the conflict. It also aims to promote technical and vocational education and training to equip young people with skills and knowledge that are
relevant to the job market.
The policy recognizes that education is a fundamental right that lays the foundation for personal development, economic empowerment, and social inclusion.
The policy recognizes that unemployment is a significant challenge for Somali youth, and it proposes various interventions to address this issue. These include promoting entrepreneurship and private sector
investment, creating employment opportunities in agriculture, and improving access to financing for small and medium enterprises.
The policy also aims to address the root causes of unemployment, such as limited job prospects and skills mismatches, through partnerships with education and training institutions, the private sector, and other stakeholders.
The policy also recognizes the important role of youth in governance and decision-making processes. It aims to promote youth participation and representation at all levels of governance, including national, regional, and local.
The policy proposes various initiatives, such as promoting youth-led advocacy and public engagement, and creating platforms for dialogue and consultation between young people and decision-makers.
The policy emphasizes that youth participation and involvement in decision-making processes are crucial for sustainable development, social cohesion, and peacebuilding.
The Somali National Youth Policy is a progressive document that provides a framework for empowering and investing in the future of Somali youth. The consultation and validation process in Dhusamareeb
was a crucial step towards ensuring that the policy reflects the needs and aspirations of Somali youth.