In a significant stride towards empowering vulnerable communities, Somalia’s Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagaren inaugurated a comprehensive job training and employment initiative in the city of Baidoa. This ambitious project aims to uplift thousands of families impacted by climate change and displacement in recent years.
The launch ceremony witnessed the participation of Somalia’s Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, ministers from the Southwest State administration, the Mayor of Baidoa District, and representatives from aid organizations actively involved in resilience and humanitarian efforts.
Addressing the gathering, the Southwest State Minister of Planning and the Federal Minister of Labor and Social Affairs shed light on the project’s objectives and the intended beneficiaries. President Laftagaren, in his keynote address, underscored the program’s significance and the collective responsibility to support Somalia’s youth and those in dire need of employment opportunities.
“As you are aware, the Federal Government’s 9th National Development Plan concludes in 2024,” stated the Southwest State Minister of Planning. “Concurrently, the Southwest State had its own regional development plan spanning from 2020 to 2024. With these plans nearing completion, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the regional states, has developed a new strategic agenda through the Ministry of Planning.”
The minister elaborated, “This transformative agenda, aimed at advancing Somalia’s development programs, will commence from 2024 to 2029. Our goal is to provide comprehensive vocational training to 1,000 Somali youth, equipping them with the necessary skills to secure employment or establish their own businesses. We are determined to ensure that no Somali citizen is left behind in the pursuit of economic empowerment.”
President Laftagaren echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for collective action and unwavering determination. “We cannot afford to witness our people languishing in poverty,” he asserted. “Through unity and perseverance, we can elevate Somalia to the ranks of prosperous nations, allowing our youth to explore opportunities abroad without the constraints of economic hardship.”
The President expressed profound gratitude to the numerous aid organizations and ministries actively engaged in supporting displaced communities. He underscored the importance of implementing the project as envisioned, ensuring its success in uplifting the lives of those affected by displacement and climate-induced challenges.
“For too long, we have referred to these resilient individuals as ‘displaced persons’ or ‘refugees,'” Laftagaren stated. “They are Somali citizens who have been forced to leave their homes due to adverse circumstances, but they retain a deep connection to their homeland. It is our duty to reintegrate them into society, providing them with sustainable livelihoods and a sense of belonging.”
The project’s launch marks a significant step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by Somalia’s vulnerable communities. By fostering economic empowerment and creating employment opportunities, this initiative aims to cultivate resilience, promote self-sufficiency, and pave the way for a more prosperous and inclusive future for all Somalis.
