In December 2024, Dalbile launched a series of transformative initiatives in Banaadir State, showcasing its commitment to empowering youth, enhancing institutional capacity, and fostering community engagement. These activities spanned skill development workshops, networking events, and dialogues, all tailored to address the unique needs of the region. From equipping young people with technological expertise to strengthening the capacities of local government and youth-led organizations, Dalbile’s efforts in Banaadir laid the groundwork for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Here’s a detailed exploration of these impactful programs:

Capacity Building for Staff from Line Ministries and Local Government

Dates: December 22-23, 2024

Location: Mogadishu, Banaadir

Participants: 25 government staff members

Dalbile’s capacity-building workshop was designed to address institutional challenges faced by line ministries and local government entities. This two-day event aimed to enhance the operational efficiency and technical expertise of government staff, empowering them to provide better services to their communities.

Key Highlights:

Technical Proficiency:

• Participants explored practical governance strategies, including policy drafting tailored to regional needs and effective resource management techniques.
• The training included exercises on analyzing local governance challenges and implementing data-driven solutions to improve service delivery.

Leadership Development:

• Sessions focused on fostering ethical decision-making and merit-based hiring processes to professionalize governance structures.
• Strategies for improving inter-departmental communication and collaboration were shared to boost teamwork.

Motivation and Morale:

• Discussions highlighted the importance of transparent career progression frameworks and timely remuneration to improve staff motivation.

A participant noted, “This workshop not only addressed challenges in governance but also provided practical solutions that we can implement immediately.”

Leveraging Technology: Future Ready Skills Training for Youth

Dates: December 16-18, 2024

Location: Mogadishu, Banaadir

Participants: 70 young people

The Future Ready Skills training was a cornerstone of Dalbile’s youth empowerment efforts in Banaadir. The three-day workshop equipped participants with essential digital skills, empowering them to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Topics Covered:

Communication Skills with Email:

• Attendees learned the art of professional email writing, including crafting concise subject lines, maintaining formal tones, and structuring content effectively.
• Practical exercises allowed participants to refine their communication techniques, vital for professional settings.

Prompt AI Engineering Workshop:

• The session introduced participants to AI technologies, emphasizing the importance of crafting precise prompts for accurate outputs.
• Real-world scenarios demonstrated how AI can be leveraged for problem-solving and innovation.

Graphic Design with Canva:

• Participants explored the fundamentals of graphic design, focusing on creating visually appealing and impactful content for social media and marketing.
• Hands-on activities enabled attendees to design posters, presentations, and branding materials using Canva.

Outcomes: The training inspired participants to harness technology for personal and professional growth. One attendee remarked, “This program has unlocked doors to digital opportunities I never thought possible. I feel ready to contribute to my community through innovation.”

Supporting Networking of Youth-Led Organizations

Dates: December 22-23, 2024

Location: Mogadishu, Banaadir

Participants: 27 representatives of youth-led organizations

Dalbile facilitated a networking workshop for youth-led organizations to strengthen their collaboration and organizational capacities. The two-day event provided a platform for participants to share experiences, identify challenges, and receive targeted training to address their needs.

Activities:

Introductions and Organizational Overviews:

Following the opening remarks, each participant introduced themselves and shared a brief overview of their organization. Representatives included members from groups such as Somali Girls in Tech (SGiT), Somali Ecological Society (SES), Green Light Organization, and Xoriyo Development Organization. This segment set the stage for collaborative discussions.

Peer-to-Peer Networking:

Participants engaged in peer-to-peer networking, brainstorming challenges and weaknesses faced by their organizations. Common themes included a lack of advanced financial literacy for NGOs, effective communication using AI tools like ChatGPT and Canva for design, and the need for professional email writing skills.

Emerging Insights:

During the networking session, key insights emerged, highlighting shared challenges such as limited access to financial literacy resources, inadequate use of digital communication tools, and gaps in strategic planning.

Targeted Training Sessions:

Targeted Training Sessions:

On the second day, participants received focused training in:

• Advanced financial literacy for NGOs to improve transparency and resource management.
• Utilizing AI tools like ChatGPT for effective communication and Canva for professional design.
• Mastering professional email writing techniques to enhance organizational correspondence.

Key Outcomes

This workshop strengthened the network among youth-led organizations and equipped participants with essential tools to improve their operational efficiency. For instance,
representatives from Somali Girls in Tech (SGiT) and Green Light Organization departed with concrete strategies for enhancing their digital presence and refining their financial reporting.

Participating Organizations:

Over 15 organizations took part in the Networking Session, including:

1. Agriculture & Environment Development Association
2. Somali Environmental Forum (SEF)
3. Green Light Organisation
4. Somali Girls in Tech (SGiT)
5. Somali Ecological Society (SES)
6. Environmental Safety Organisation (ESO)
7. Somali Women in Business
8. ILays Youth Development
9. Somali Youth Ambassador’s for Peace and Democracy (SYAPD)
10. SADSO
11. Women’s Safety and Justice Initiative
12. Xoriyo Development Organization
13. Somali Autism Children Organization
14. Educate Consultancy

By fostering practical skills and a robust support network, the event contributed to the long-term success of youth-led organizations, ultimately enhancing their capacity to drive positive change within their communities.

Facilitating Youth Engagement Through Dialogue

Dates: December 19-20, 2024

Location: Mogadishu, Banaadir

Participants: 40 youth leaders and community representatives

Dalbile organized a two-day dialogue to amplify youth voices and foster their involvement in decision-making processes. This event encouraged open conversations about challenges faced by young people and solutions to increase their participation in governance.

Discussion Themes:

Youth Empowerment:

• Attendees shared success stories and highlighted the importance of mentorship and education in fostering leadership.
• Barriers to youth participation, such as lack of access to resources and opportunities, were identified, along with strategies to overcome them.

Decision-Making Processes:

• Participants deliberated on the role of youth advisory councils and public consultations in shaping inclusive policies.
• Recommendations included establishing quotas for youth representation in local governance structures.

Outcomes: The dialogue created a space for meaningful exchange and actionable insights. Many participants committed to initiating grassroots campaigns to advocate for youth inclusion. A

youth leader stated, “This dialogue has shown us the power of our collective voice and the potential we have to shape our future.”

Dalbile Job Fair

Date: December 17, 2024

Location: Rio Palace, Mogadishu, Banaadir

Participants: 75 attendees

The Dalbile Annual Job Fair, themed “Tech Skills for All: Freelancing as a Global Opportunity,” was a landmark event that united youth, tech professionals, academics, and

community stakeholders to explore the future of work, global freelancing opportunities, and the essential role of skill development. By focusing on empowering youth through targeted skill- building and employment pathways, the fair provided a dynamic platform for job creation, youth empowerment, and economic growth. It underscored the transformative impact of freelancing in advancing sustainable development and cultivating a globally competitive workforce.

Key Highlights:

• Opening Keynotes: The event commenced with inspiring keynotes from distinguished speakers who emphasized the need for digital skills in today’s job market. They highlighted the transformative role freelancing plays in connecting Somali youth to global opportunities.

• Exhibitor Booths: The event featured over 10 exhibitor booths from startups supported by the Dalbile startup program. These startups presented their innovative products and services, leveraging the platform for networking and exploring new opportunities during the job fair.
• Networking Opportunities: Attendees engaged in one-on-one discussions with exhibitors and panelists, creating connections that could lead to internships, mentorships, and potential employment.

Impact: The Dalbile Job Fair successfully bridged the gap between youth and career opportunities, inspiring participants to embrace freelancing and digital skills as tools for economic empowerment.

A Vision for Banaadir’s Future

Dalbile’s December initiatives in Banaadir demonstrated the organization’s holistic approach to development. By addressing challenges at both institutional and grassroots levels, Dalbile has set the stage for sustainable growth and social cohesion. These programs highlighted the potential of collaboration, skill-building, and advocacy in driving positive change.

As 2025 approaches, Dalbile is committed to scaling these efforts across Somalia, ensuring that every community benefits from tailored interventions that address their unique needs.