The Dalbile project’s ongoing mission to uplift Somali communities through youth empowerment and institutional strengthening reached Southwest State with significant activities in December 2024. From Marka’s various local hubs, Dalbile facilitated programs designed to enhance governance, build skills, and promote civic engagement. Below, we reflect on the transformative initiatives conducted in Southwest State this month.

Leverage on Technology to Train Young People on Future Ready Skills (December 7-9, 2024)

The Dalbile project commenced its activities in Marka with a three-day Future Ready Skills Training for 80 enthusiastic young participants. This initiative aimed to bridge the digital skills gap among youth, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to thrive in a tech-driven world.

The training covered:

• Introduction to Computer Basics: Participants learned about hardware and software components and their functionalities.
• Hands-On Practice: Sessions on using Microsoft Office tools and navigating the internet for research purposes.
• Understanding Digital Tools: Exploring applications such as calculators, calendars, and text editors to enhance daily productivity.

The program’s emphasis on practical learning ensured that participants were not only more digitally literate but also inspired to integrate these tools into their academic and professional pursuits. A youth participant remarked, “This training has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined before.”

Capacity Building for Staff from Line Ministries
and Local Government (December 8-10, 2024)

In a bid to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance governance, Dalbile organized a three-day workshop for 20 staff members from various line ministries and local government entities in Southwest State.

The capacity-building sessions were tailored to address specific challenges faced by government institutions, including:

• Effective Knowledge Management: Participants were trained on documentation processes and preserving institutional memory.
• Policy Development Skills: Sessions focused on drafting comprehensive policies and legal frameworks.
• Leadership and Coordination: Strategies to improve inter-departmental collaboration and establish transparent, merit-based recruitment systems.

The program emphasized actionable strategies, ensuring participants gained practical insights that could be immediately applied to their roles. A government official noted, “This training has given us tools to better serve our communities and strengthen our governance systems.”

Support Civic Engagement and Social Accountability through Interactive Radio Campaigns

Dalbile’s initiative this month focused on promoting civic engagement and accountability through interactive radio and social media campaigns. Aimed at inspiring youth to take an active role in community governance, the initiative also emphasized holding leadership accountable.

Key components included:

• ⁠Campaign Videos: Dalbile produced and shared impactful videos highlighting the importance of youth, women, and civil society in fostering better governance. These videos were released on various social media platforms and BAY TV, reaching thousands of young viewers and sparking discussions on critical social issues.

This initiative not only gave a platform for young voices in Southwest State but also helped build a culture of accountability and transparency within the community reaching tens of thousands of people through online. For more on the campaign, watch the video on BAY TV: