From Refugee Holding Ground to Youth Empowerment Hub: The Inspiring Transformation of HIRAAL Youth Center

#Empowerment #Hope

The HIRAAL Youth Center in Hargeisa, Somaliland, was once a place of refuge for those who had nowhere else to go. But today, it stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the youth of the community. With support from the UNFPA, the EU, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the center has been transformed into a space where young people can learn, grow, and develop their potential. Located at the heart of the city, the center is easily accessible to young people between the ages of 14 and 35, both male and female, in school and out of school, with disabilities, IDP youth, and underserved youth groups.The center offers a wide range of activities and services, including vocational training, health services, co-working spaces, and event spaces. The vision for the center is to be a platform for youth skills development and to improve life opportunities for a brighter future. Young people who attend the center learn valuable vocational skills such as tailoring, cooking, henna, handcrafting, and makeup. They also receive training in communication skills, soft skills, and pedagogical training. The center's training rooms are used not only by young people who attend the center but also by outside youth organizations as a training facility. In addition, the center offers health services and counseling services on sexual health, substance and drug abuse, birth spacing, nutrition, and parenting. But the center is more than just a place to learn and receive services. It also serves as a cultural and recreative space, promoting digital training and technology, and nurturing youth in Somaliland to participate in the socio-economic development projects of their country. The center's co-working spaces are designed for collaboration, allowing young people to reserve a dedicated desk or drop in to expand their business. The hall is used for events and is available for other organizations and companies that want to conduct events, ceremonies, and festivities. Finally, the cafeteria provides refreshments to the center trainees, staff, and the nearby business community, acting as a source of income to sustain the center. Through its range of services and activities, the HIRAAL Youth Center is helping young people in Somaliland become active participants in social development and market opportunities. It is a place of vision and collaboration, where young people can interact, share ideas, and develop their potential, preparing to be the future leaders of Somaliland.

From Refugee Holding Ground to Youth Empowerment Hub: The Inspiring Transformation of HIRAAL Youth Center

Muna Mohamed Ali, an experienced social worker, leads the center with dedication and passion after pursuing a three-year degree in social work. Her commitment to making a positive impact ensures the center is in good hands under her leadership.

Muna Mohamed Ali is the current manager of HIRAAL, bringing extensive experience in social work to the role. Before joining HIRAAL, she worked as a mental health assistant, demonstrating dedication to helping people with disabilities. Her passion for serving the community led her to pursue a degree in social work, studying for three years to acquire necessary skills and knowledge. In recent years, social work has become more popular as individuals seek ways to contribute to society and support those in need, including IDPs. With Muna's background and commitment to making a positive impact, HIRAAL is in good hands under her leadership.

The coworking space at HIRAAL serves as a hub for local organizations and youth workers, providing a collaborative working environment and resource for small grassroots organizations. One such organization is Hal Dhor, which offers short courses such as public speaking. With a large hall and event space available, HIRAAL serves as a hub for community activities.

Ayaan Hussien Korse, aged 25, is the Education Manager at HIRAAL. She holds a Master's degree in Public Health from Amoud University in Hargeisa. As the Education Manager, Ayaan oversees teacher monitoring and ensures effective implementation of educational programs. Despite the challenges that come with her role, she remains positive and committed to her work at HIRAAL.

Mohamed Abdulhai, a 21-year-old secondary school student, works with local organization Hal Dhor and makes use of the center's facilities to work towards his organization's goals.

Ayaan Hussien Korse, aged 25, is the Education Manager for Hiraal.

Suhayla Yusuf Mohamed, a 20-year-old from Hargeisa, recently graduated from the tailoring center after completing a 6-month course. Despite completing the program, she is still able to utilize the center's resources for her future aspirations of becoming a fashion designer and owning her own business. Suhayla graduated from Badar University with a degree in economics and banking, but has always had a passion for tailoring and helping her family and relatives with their clothing. The center has given her the skills and knowledge to pursue her dreams and turn her passion into a successful career.

Suhayla Yusuf Mohamed, a recent graduate of a 6-month tailoring course at the center, now has the skills to pursue her passion for fashion design and entrepreneurship.

Munasar Khadar Yusuf is a 19-year-old student studying Software Engineering at Golis University. In February 2021, he completed the Multimedia Trainings program offered by the center. The six-month program covered video editing, photography, motion graphics, and graphic design, with each training providing a certificate upon completion. Munasar found the training to be a life-changing experience. Before enrolling, he had no knowledge of multimedia, but he quickly excelled and became one of the best students in his class. After completing the program, he was offered an internship at the center, where he helped with communications and became an official photographer. The experience influenced Munasar to choose Software Engineering as his field of study, as he discovered his passion for software development while working with multimedia at the center.

Munasar Khadar Yusuf is a 19-year-old student studying Software Engineering at GolisUniversity. In February 2021, he completed the Multimedia Trainings program offered by the center.

Ugbad Ahmed Ali is a dedicated staff member at the center, using her extensive knowledge and experience to counsel youth and perform routine exams, such as HIV and pregnancy tests, in the center's basic lab. With a degree in nutrition and a master's in public health from the University of Hargeisa, Ugbad also holds a nursing diploma from a UNFPA partner institution. Ugbad says she loves her job and is eager to learn from the youth she works with every day. Her passion for helping young people extends beyond the center, and she hopes to reach displaced youth outside of Hargeisa. To better serve the community, Ugbad has even learned sign language to communicate with deaf youth who come to the center.

Ugbad Ahmed Ali is a public health professional with a nursing diploma from an UNFPA partner institution.

Fisa Ahmed Abdi Rahman is currently attending a two-month makeup course to learn how to do full makeup. She is 19 years old and in her third year of studying Business Administration at Hargeisa University. Fisa hopes to use her newfound skills to create her own beauty salon business. Like many other students at the center, Fisa has an entrepreneurial attitude and is determined to use her education and skills to create opportunities for herself and her community.

Fisa Ahmed Abdi Rahman is currently attending a two-month makeup course to learn how to do full makeup.

The Professional Makeup Skills class at the Hiraal youth center.

Girls at the Center Learn Professional Makeup Skills to Pursue Their Dreams and Build Their Own Businesses