As 2024 draws to a close, the Dalbile project has continued its mission of fostering youth empowerment and institutional capacity-building across Somalia. The month of December saw a range of impactful activities conducted in Kismayo, Jubaland State, aimed at empowering the youth, strengthening governance, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.

Future Ready Skills Training (December 3-5,
2024)

Dalbile kickstarted December with a transformative three-day Future Ready Skills Training, hosted in Kismayo. Fifty young participants eagerly joined the sessions to develop vital computer literacy and digital skills, ensuring they are prepared for the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

The training was inaugurated by the Minister and Director of the Ministry of Youth, whose opening remarks underscored the importance of equipping the youth with tools for success in the digital era. The minister also expressed profound gratitude to iRise for implementing the Dalbile project, which has played a pivotal role in empowering Somalia’s youth over the past four years.

Highlights of the training included:

• Introduction to computer basics: hardware and software components.
• Hands-on exercises on essential digital tools such as Microsoft Office.
• Practical skills in internet browsing and research.

iRise’s focal point for Jubaland delivered an overview of Dalbile’s achievements and shared insights into the activities planned for the final quarter. This initiative has strengthened the digital readiness of participants, setting them on a path toward greater professional and personal growth.

Supporting Networking Among Youth-Led
Organizations and Associations (December 6-8, 2024)

From December 6 to 8, Dalbile organized an inspiring event aimed at building connections among youth-led organizations and associations in Jubaland. Forty participants, representing diverse groups, gathered to explore strategies for collaboration, resource mobilization, and leveraging digital tools for organizational growth.

Key sessions included:

• Leadership and Management Workshops: Enhancing the leadership capacities of young leaders.
• Networking Strategies: Practical tips on building impactful partnerships with NGOs, private sectors, and government agencies.
• Technology Integration: Guidance on using digital platforms to streamline operations and boost visibility.

The participants identified shared challenges, such as limited funding and access to resources, and collectively brainstormed solutions. The event fostered a spirit of collaboration and provided a platform for youth organizations to forge meaningful partnerships, amplifying their collective impact.

Capacity Building for Staff from Line Ministries
and Local Government (December 9-11, 2024)

The month concluded with a focused capacity-building workshop for staff from Jubaland’s line ministries and local government institutions. With 20 participants in attendance, the training addressed critical gaps in technical expertise and institutional coordination.

Key topics covered:

• Knowledge Management Systems (KMS): Strategies for improving documentation and preserving institutional memory.
• Policy Development: Training on drafting robust legal and operational frameworks to enhance governance.
• Merit-Based Recruitment: Insights into transparent hiring practices to strengthen professionalism.

Participants left equipped with actionable strategies to enhance their institutional effectiveness, ensuring better service delivery for Jubaland’s citizens.

Supporting Civic Engagement and Social
Accountability through Interactive Radio Campaigns

Another notable activity in December was Dalbile’s initiative to support civic engagement and social accountability among youth through interactive radio campaigns. This innovative campaign aimed to inspire young people to take an active role in their communities and hold leaders accountable.

The campaign involved:

• Filming and Producing Engaging Videos: A series of videos were filmed, highlighting key issues of civic engagement and showcasing youth-driven solutions.
• Social Media Outreach: The campaign videos were released across Dalbile’s social media platforms, reaching a wide audience and sparking online discussions.
• Interactive Radio Sessions: Youth and community leaders participated in live radio discussions, sharing their perspectives and encouraging listeners to take part in civic activities.

This campaign successfully amplified youth voices and reinforced the importance of accountability, making a lasting impact on the community’s approach to governance and social issues.

Impact and Reflections

The December activities in Jubaland represent Dalbile’s commitment to empowering Somalia’s youth and strengthening governance systems. Through targeted interventions, Dalbile has fostered a culture of innovation, collaboration, and resilience among participants.

The success of these events underscores the importance of sustained investment in capacity- building and youth empowerment. As Dalbile’s journey continues, it remains a beacon of hope and progress, lighting the way for Somalia’s future leaders and institutions.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, Dalbile aims to replicate these initiatives across other states, tailoring activities to address state-specific challenges and opportunities. Together, we are building a brighter future for Somalia—one state at a time.