Years of political, cultural, and socio-economic discrimination have left the Gabooye community in Somalia particularly vulnerable to marginalization and high rates of youth unemployment. Recognizing the urgent need for change, the Academy for Development and Advocacy of Minorities (ADAM) was established with a mission to empower minority communities in Somalia. Through advocacy, community development, and skills training, ADAM seeks to address the pressing issue of limited employment opportunities faced by the Gabooye community.
In 2021, ADAM received a US$99K USADF technical assistance and capacity-building grant. With this support, the ADAM team embarked on an endeavor to provide training, professional development, and mentorship to young individuals from minority communities, specifically targeting the Gabooye community. The beneficiaries of this program underwent comprehensive training in various occupational skills, such as welding, butchering, tailoring, and auto mechanics. Furthermore, they received essential financial management training, along with the necessary tools and materials to kickstart their own businesses.
As a result of ADAM's efforts, a total of 200 Gabooye youths have received extensive training and job placement facilitation. Notably, many beneficiaries who underwent tailoring and butchering training have successfully established their shops in prominent markets. This accomplishment has had a profound impact on their lives, as it has increased their income substantially, allowing them to better support themselves and their families. Moreover, the butchering beneficiaries received an impressive gift of eight goats each, totaling 480 goats across all the beneficiaries. Interviews conducted with the trainees revealed unanimous praise for the program, with everyone expressing how their newfound skills have empowered their businesses and significantly augmented their earnings.
The program is ongoing, and currently, the remaining 80 beneficiaries are undergoing training in welding and auto mechanics. ADAM's commitment to providing comprehensive and tailored training programs ensures that these youths can thrive in their respective fields of employment. Through their dedication and the support of USADF, ADAM is successfully transforming the lives of Gabooye youths, enabling them to overcome the challenges of unemployment and establish prosperous livelihoods.