Tuesday, March 17, 2015
PRESS RELEASE
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) held an inauguration ceremony for its newly established vocational training centre located at Kabasa section of Dolow. The ceremony was attended by local government represented by the District Commissioner of Dolow, Mr. Said Barre, partners from UNICEF and UNOCHA. Also in attendance included NRC’s Regional Director, Gabriella Waaijman and Director of Field Operations Magnhild Vasset.
“NRC considers this celebration as an important milestone in our continued efforts to facilitate durable, meaningful and long-term solutions for vulnerable groups, as a means of actualising NRC’s vision of Rights Respected and People Protected”, said Magnhild Vasset, the Director of Field Operations who was visiting NRC’s humanitarian programmes in Dolo.
The Youth Education Pack (YEP) started in South Central Somalia in 2013 with 2 centres inMogadishu and Baidoa. Currently NRC is providing vocational training in 4 centres (Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dolow and Kismayo targeting 620 young men and women. Already 310 youth have graduated and are currently utilising the skills attained in both employment and private engagement enabling them to an a decent income.
The programme aims at contributing to NRC’s third strategic priority where displaced and vulnerable people are facilitated to access education in emergencies. The programme targets IDPs and returnee youths who have had limited access to education, training and employment opportunities, providing them with an incredible opportunity to attain literacy and vocational skills that enhance their ability to access and engage in livelihoods opportunities, providing an avenue that facilitates a change of mind-set, a desire for an environment that values improved protection and good governance and how they, in their individual capacities can be responsible citizens interested in upholding efforts aimed at enhancing durable solutions of peace and good governance in Somalia.
In Dolow District, the UNICEF-funded YEP training activities began with labour market surveys conducted to determine employment potential for skilled youths. Informed by the findings of the survey, 3 skills training areas were identified; tailoring, carpentry and beautification. A total of 100 learners have been registered and enrolled to pursue the courses.
“NRC recognises that there are other challenges facing the Dolow community and especially IDPs and returnees, beyond the challenges of access to quality education and life skills. Therefore, we will continue to work together in addressing the challenges of shelter and in promoting sustainable food security. I officially launch the Dolow Youth Education Pack programme and request that you all continue to render NRC the immense support and collaboration that has made the programme an opportunity for hope for our youth today”, concluded Maghnild.