In the bustling streets of Mogadishu, lies a technical training institute for students learning a group of skill sets to build their careers. The facility is known for its carpentry, masonry, and plumbing courses, with students drawn from the growing displaced and host communities in the city.
The institution is run by a dedicated group of trainers and aims to provide the youth with the knowledge and practice experience needed to forge a better future. Among the students participating is Ibrahim Hassan, a carpentry student whose hobby is building chairs and tables.
“The carpentry course has given me the creativity and knowledge to design tables, chairs, and cabinets. With this knowledge, I can open my own store and support the needs of my family,” he says.
A total of 100 students from carpentry, masonry, plumbing, and business courses are now empowered with skills, having graduated as the first cohort of the program this year.
More than three decades of conflict and the worsening effects of climate change have seen displacement in Somalia soar to record levels. The protracted conflict in the country has prevented people from accessing vocational training and disrupted the traditional social systems through which people learn and build skills. Part of the work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is to support the recovery of families affected so they may be able to support themselves. This year, a total of 100 students were sponsored for vocational training in Mogadishu.
Abdirizak Ibrahim, one of the trainers at the Mogadishu Technical and Vocational Training Institute instructs a carpentry class. He is an experienced carpenter and started teaching 8 years ago. “My former students have now become professional carpenters and are now earning money with their skills,” he says.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
To support recovery, the ICRC is working with vocational training institutes to empower and provide skills to students coming from conflict-affected families. This presents an opportunity where they can learn new skills leading to employment or start their own business to sustain their needs.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
A masonry student at Mogadishu Technical and Vocational Training Institute painting a wall as part of a practical exercise. The training curriculum combines both theory and practical classes to equip the students with hands-on experience.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
“Carpentry is my hobby and using creativity to build chairs and tables is exciting,” says Ibrahim Hassan. He is one of 25 carpentry students supported in the program.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
The ICRC is also working with Somalia technical Training Institute (SOTI), an institution that offers students vocational and technical skills. 25 students, sponsored by the ICRC, graduated from the institution in July this year.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed
A student in SOTI working on a water pipe. The plumbing and fitting course is one of the popular courses offered at the institution. Students are taught how to install and repair water pipes and fixtures.©ICRC/Abdikarim Mohamed